Experiences with
Vaginal cancer

SymptomsDiagnosisMedical treatmentsCauses

The main symptoms of vaginal cancer are a lump or ulcers and other skin changes in or around the vagina.

The main test for vaginal cancer is a colposcopy. This is where a specialist doctor or nurse checks your vagina and collects a small sample of cells.

Vaginal cancer is often treatable. The main treatments include radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Most vaginal cancers are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

Main symptoms of vaginal cancer

The main symptoms of vaginal cancer are usually:

a lump in the vagina
ulcers and other skin changes in or around the vagina

Other symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
bleeding after sex or pain during sex
smelly or bloodstained vaginal discharge
bleeding between periods
an itch in your vagina that will not go away
pain when you pee, or needing to pee a lot

Vaginal cancer is rare, especially in women under 40.

you have any symptoms of vaginal cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

More than half of all vaginal cancers are caused by an infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can get HPV from:

any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
vaginal, anal or oral sex
sharing sex toys

Who is more likely to get vaginal cancer

You're more likely to get vaginal cancer if:

you have had an HPV infection
precancerous cells have been found in your cervix (CIN) or vagina (VAIN)
you have had cervical cancer
you are 75 or over – vaginal cancer is more common in older women
you have lupus, a condition that affects your immune system
you have HIV or AIDS
your mother took the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you – your GP can discuss these risks with you
you have had womb cancer, especially if you had radiotherapy

Women can still get vaginal cancer even if they've had a hysterectomy.

If you're trans or non-binary and have a vagina, or part of a vagina left from gender surgery, you can also get vaginal cancer, even if you've had a hysterectomy.

How to lower your chance of getting vaginal cancer

You cannot always prevent vaginal cancer.

But as there's a link between vaginal cancer and HPV, cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself.

All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they turn into cancer.
All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against all cancers caused by HPV, as well as genital warts.

There are some things you can do to lower your chance of getting vaginal cancer.

use condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals, so you're not fully protected
quit smoking, as it can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer
eat a balanced diet to help support your immune system

Main test for vaginal cancer (colposcopy)

See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of vaginal cancer. They will refer you to a specialist for tests.

The specialist will examine your tummy and pelvis, the area between your hips, so they can feel the organs there.

They will also do a test to have a closer look at your vulva and vagina. This is called a colposcopy.

You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.

During a colposcopy:

The specialist nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart.
They will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
A microscope with a light at the end is used to look at your vagina and cervix. The microscope stays outside your body.
A small sample of cells (biopsy) may be collected to send to a laboratory.
The test should take around 15 to 30 minutes.

It should not be painful, but you might find it uncomfortable. Talk to the nurse if you are feeling uncomfortable.

If you have a biopsy, you may have a small amount of bleeding or cramping afterwards.

Treatment for vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

the size and type of vaginal cancer you have
where it is in the vagina
if it has spread
your general health

The main treatment for vaginal cancer is radiotherapy. You may also have surgery and chemotherapy.

The specialist team looking after you will:

explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
help you manage any side effects

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about vaginal cancer.