Vaginal cancer prevention

There is no way to completely prevent vaginal cancer. However, certain steps may lower your risk, particularly because many vaginal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a very common virus that usually goes away on its own. In some people, infection with a high-risk type of HPV persists and causes abnormal changes in the cells of the vagina. Over time, some of these changes can develop into vaginal precancer and eventually cancer.

Preventing HPV infection, avoiding tobacco, and appropriately monitoring and treating precancerous changes are among the most important ways to reduce vaginal cancer risk.

Get vaccinated against HPV

The HPV vaccine can protect against HPV types responsible for many cases of vaginal cancer as well as cervical, vulvar, anal, and other HPV-related cancer types.

HPV vaccination works best when given before a person is exposed to HPV. However, vaccination may also be appropriate for some adults who were not fully vaccinated when they were younger.

The vaccine prevents new HPV infections. It does not treat an HPV infection that is already present or treat precancerous changes that have already developed.

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether HPV vaccination is recommended for you.

Don't smoke

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of vaginal cancer.

Tobacco smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals that can damage cells throughout the body. Smoking may also make it harder for the immune system to clear an HPV infection, allowing high-risk HPV to remain in the body longer.

If you currently smoke, quitting can lower your risk of many cancers and other diseases and provide important benefits for your overall health.

Reduce the risk of HPV infection

HPV spreads primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Because HPV is so common, it is not always possible to prevent exposure.

Using condoms and other barrier methods during sexual activity can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, although they cannot provide complete protection because HPV can infect areas of skin that are not covered.

Limiting exposure to HPV and receiving the HPV vaccine are important ways to reduce the risk of developing HPV-related precancers and cancers.

Find and treat vaginal precancer

Some vaginal cancers develop from precancerous changes called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN).

VaIN means abnormal cells are present in the lining of the vagina. It is not invasive vaginal cancer. However, higher-grade VaIN has a greater chance of progressing to cancer and may require treatment.

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the abnormal cells and other individual factors. Options can include laser treatment, topical medicines, or surgery to remove an affected area.

Follow-up care is also important because vaginal precancer can return. Finding and appropriately treating high-grade vaginal precancer may help prevent some cases from progressing to invasive vaginal cancer, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma.

Follow up after cervical precancer or cervical cancer

Vaginal and cervical cancers share an important risk factor: persistent high-risk HPV infection.

People who have previously had cervical precancer or cervical cancer may have an increased risk of developing vaginal precancer or cancer. Your healthcare provider may recommend continued surveillance depending on your medical history.

This can remain important even after a hysterectomy. Having the uterus or cervix removed does not eliminate the possibility of developing cancer in the vagina.

Keep recommended follow-up appointments and ask your healthcare provider what continued monitoring is appropriate for you.

Know your individual risk and health history

Some vaginal cancer risk factors cannot be changed. For example, vaginal cancer becomes more common with age.

People who were exposed before birth to diethylstilbestrol (DES) also have an increased risk of a rare type of vaginal cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

A weakened immune system can increase the likelihood that an HPV infection will persist. If you have HIV, take immune-suppressing medications, or have another condition affecting your immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate follow-up.

Your personal history matters too. Tell your doctors about previous abnormal cervical or vaginal test results, cervical precancer or cancer, VaIN, hysterectomy, DES exposure, or conditions affecting your immune system. This information can help your healthcare team provide individualized guidance about your risk.

When should you seek medical care?

Prevention also means paying attention to changes in your body and seeking medical care when something does not seem right.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, persistent vaginal discharge, a vaginal lump, or ongoing pain or pressure in the pelvis.

These symptoms are much more commonly caused by conditions other than cancer. However, they should be evaluated so your healthcare provider can determine the cause.

If an abnormal area is found, additional testing may be needed. A biopsy is required to confirm a vaginal cancer diagnosis.

Where can you find vaginal cancer care and support?

If you receive a cancer diagnosis, your healthcare provider can help connect you with appropriate cancer care, treatment, and support services.

Because vaginal cancer is rare, some patients may be referred to a specialist in gynecologic oncology or a comprehensive cancer center with experience treating gynecologic cancers.

Depending on the diagnosis and stage, cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other approaches. These treatments do not prevent vaginal cancer from developing in the first place, but they may be used after cancer has been diagnosed.

A vaginal cancer diagnosis can also affect emotional, sexual, and practical health. Ask your healthcare team about available support and services if you need help during diagnosis, treatment, or recovery.

Can vaginal cancer be completely prevented?

No. Even when someone takes steps to lower their risk, vaginal cancer can still develop. Some cancer patients have no known preventable risk factors.

There is also no routine screening program specifically for vaginal cancer in average-risk people. This makes HPV prevention, appropriate follow-up for people at increased risk, and evaluation of concerning symptoms particularly important.

If you are concerned about your risk, talk with your healthcare provider. Understanding your health history and knowing which changes to watch for can help you take an active role in your care.