The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina (vaginal canal) make up the female reproductive system. You may need a hysterectomy to treat: Gynecologic cancer. If you have a gynecologic cancer — such as cancer of the uterus or cervix — a hysterectomy may be your best treatment option. Depending on the specific cancer you have and how advanced it is, your other options might include radiation or chemotherapy.