Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the vaginal tissue in women. Not to be confused with the vulva, the vagina is the narrow, elastic canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is about 2 to 4 inches long, and is also referred to as the birth canal.

Although researchers cannot pinpoint exactly what causes vaginal cancer, they have identified several known risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood that you may develop a disease, but is not a guarantee you will get it.

Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors

Several risk factors for vaginal cancer have been identified:

• Being 60 or older: Most women diagnosed with vaginal cancer are age 60 or older. Although it occurs mainly in older women, the disease can develop in women under age 60.

• Smoking: According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are twice as likely to develop vaginal cancer than non-smokers. Need help quitting smoking?

• HPV Infection: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is associated with many types of cancer. Being infected with a high-risk strain of the virus increases a woman's risk of vaginal cancer. There are HPV DNA tests available that can determine whether you have the virus and if you are infected with a high-risk strain.

• HIV Infection:Being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases your risk of developing vaginal cancer. In fact, vaginal cancer is just one of many types of cancer that are associated with HIV.

• Vaginal Pessary Use: A vaginal pessary is a device used to treat a uterine prolapse. Limited studies have shown that irritation caused by long-term use of a vaginal pessary is associated with vaginal cancer. Other research in this field has returned inconclusive results. The risk, if it exists, is estimated to be very minimal.

• DES Exposure: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was a drug given to mothers to prevent miscarriage. Its use was discontinued in 1971 because of safety concerns. Studies show that women whose mothers were given DES while pregnant are at a greater risk of developing vaginal and a few other cancers; however, that risk is low. Still, it is important to tell your doctor if you are a "DES daughter."

If you have risk factors for vaginal cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine your actual risk. Together, you can discuss how it may affect your health and what measures should be taken to limit your risk. Remember, a risk is something that increases your chances of developing a disease or condition, not a certainty.