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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffNo sure way to prevent vaginal cancer exists. However, you can increase the chance that vaginal cancer is discovered early by having routine pelvic exams and Pap tests. When discovered in its earliest stages, vaginal cancer is more likely to be cured. Doctors recommend women get pelvic exams and Pap tests soon after they've begun having sexual intercourse or by age 21. Ask your doctor how often you need to have pelvic exams and Pap tests and if you should have an HPV DNA test to see if you've been infected with HPV.
Preventing an HPV infection may also help prevent vaginal cancer. A vaccine called Gardasil to protect against some forms of HPV is available, and it's recommended for use in girls before they become sexually active. In September 2008, the Food and Drug Administration expanded the approved uses for Gardasil to include prevention of vaginal cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18.
Because early first intercourse is associated with vaginal cancer, delaying your first sexual experience and may also help prevent vaginal cancer. In addition, avoiding having sex with multiple partners may also reduce your risk of vaginal cancer. Quitting smoking or never starting to smoke also may decrease your risk of vaginal cancer.
- Detailed guide: Vaginal cancer. American Cancer Society. http://documents.cancer.org/5016.00/5016.00.pdf. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Elkas JC, et al. Vaginal cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Holschneider CH, et al. Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Benefits of good nutrition. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_6_2X_Benefits_of_nutrition_during_treatment.asp?sitearea=MBC. Accessed Aug. 24, 2008.
- FDA Approves Expanded Uses for Gardasil to Include Preventing Certain Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01885.html. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
- USPPI Patient Information about GARDASIL. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. www.fda.gov/cber/label/gardasilppi.pdf. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
