Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors and Causes
Although the causes of vaginal cancer are not known, researchers have identified several know risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is an activity or condition that is associated with another illness.Risk factors for vaginal cancer include:
- Being 30 or younger, or 60 and over
- Being infected with the HPV virus
- The use of a vaginal pessary to keep the uterus from sliding into the vagina
- Exposure to synthetic hormone DES while in the mother's womb
Keep in mind that if you have a risk factor for vaginal cancer, it does not mean you will absolutely develop the disease. Talk with your doctor about reducing your risk.
