Vulvar Cancer: Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent vulvar cancer. Some risk factors for this cancer,
such as your age and family history, are not within your control. But there are things you
can do that may help lower your risk of getting it.
The best thing you can do to prevent vulvar cancer is to lower the risks you can control.
Also get regular gynecological exams. Some providers may also advise self-exams of
the vulva.
What to do to lower your risk for vulvar cancer
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Protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) or HIV. You can help prevent HPV infection by not having sex as a teen or preteen. Having
sex using a condom and limiting sex partners can also help. Don't have sex with people
who have had a lot of partners. Condoms give some protection against HPV, but not
full protection. Still, if you use them correctly every time, they help prevent the
spread of HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Get the HPV vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider about the vaccine for HPV. Ask if it's right for
you.
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Don’t smoke. Smoking raises your risk for vulvar cancer, as well as many other kinds of cancer.
Ask your healthcare provider for help quitting.
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Do self- exams. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you do regular self-exams to find any changes
in your vulva. You can do this by using a mirror once a month to look for any red,
irritated, dark, or white spots on your vulva. Also look for bumps, ulcers, or moles
that are new or have changed. See your provider if you notice any changes.
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Get regular Pap tests and pelvic exams. Women should have regular pelvic exams. They should also have regular cervical cancer
screening tests. These include Pap tests with or without HPV tests. Expert groups
have different advice for what age to start. Ask your provider what screening tests
and schedule is right for you.
Cancer screening tests
Screening tests check for signs of disease in people who don't have any symptoms.
They are used to find and treat any precancers. They can also help find cancer early.
This is when it's small, hasn't spread, and may be easier to treat.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that women should have regular checkups to
help find certain gynecologic cancers. Your healthcare provider will look at your
vulva during these checkups. A pelvic exam and maybe a Pap test and HPV testing might
also be done. During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider will also feel your uterus,
vagina, cervix, and other reproductive organs. This is done to check for any changes.
Here are the ACS recommendations for how often you should have Pap tests, HPV tests,
and pelvic exams. These are screening guidelines for gynecological cancers if you’re
at average risk. Talk with your provider about your risk. If you're at high risk,
you may need a different screening plan.
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All women should start routine screening at age 25.
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Women between ages 25 and 65 should have a HPV test every 5 years. If that's not available,
screening may be done with a Pap test plus an HPV test (called co-testing) every 5
years or a Pap test alone every 3 years.
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Women older than 65 who have had regular screening with normal results in the past
10 years may stop screening for cervical cancer. Once screening is stopped, it should
not be started again.
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Women who had a serious precancer should continue screening for at least 25 years
after that diagnosis, even if it goes beyond age 65.
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A woman who has had a hysterectomy with the cervix removed for reasons not related
to cervical or uterine cancer and has no history of cervical cancer, serious precancer,
or a weak immune system, should not be screened.
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A woman who has had a hysterectomy but still has her cervix should follow the above
guidelines based on her age.
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A woman who has been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening guidelines
for her age group.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises women to get
Pap tests starting at age 21. Talk to your provider about screening tests and what
schedule is right for you.