Certain women are more susceptible to vaginal cancer than others. This is because they carry a higher risk due to their association with certain factors. It is possible to modify one’s vaginal cancer risk by adopting certain lifestyle changes. While these measures can help bring down one’s risk of developing vaginal cancer, they do not prevent it.
Most Common Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors
Various factors contribute to the increased risk of vaginal cancer. Some factors are lifestyle-related and are modifiable, while others are not related to the lifestyle and therefore are not modifiable. The following are the important vaginal cancer risk factors:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
HPV infection is one of the biggest vaginal cancer risk factors. Reports suggest that HPV infection is the cause of almost 70% of primary vaginal cancer cases. HPV has the potential to induce genetic changes in the vaginal cells. If these abnormal changes are not detected and removed in the early stages, they have the potential to progress to cancer.
Age
Increasing age is another important vaginal cancer risk factor. Although vaginal cancer may occur in women of any age, it is most commonly found in elderly women. It has been estimated that almost 50% of the vaginal cancer cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 70 years.
History of cervical cancer
A history of cervical cancer also increases vaginal cancer risk. A study reported that a history of cervical precancer was present in 23.5% of vaginal cancer patients, and a history of cervical cancer was present in about 71% of the patients with vaginal cancer. It is possibly because the underlying risk factors for cervical and vaginal cancer are similar. Similarly, the history of vulvar cancer also enhances the vaginal cancer risk.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another vaginal cancer risk factor. Radiation therapy is a treatment modality for various types of cancers, including pelvic cancers, such as cancers of the bladder, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tube, and cervix. While treating one or more of these cancers, the healthy vaginal cells are also exposed to high-energy radiation. Radiation may cause genetic changes in the vaginal cells, which may lead to their uncontrolled growth and proliferation.
Smoking
Women who smoke are twice at increased risk of vaginal cancer than women who do not smoke. Several substances present in cigarette smoke have the potential to cause cancer through DNA damage.
Alcohol Intake
Alcohol also increases the vaginal cancer risk. Studies suggest that women who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing vaginal cancer than those who do not.
Immunosuppression
The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body against cancers. A healthy immune system detects abnormal cells and kills them through an immune response. However, a compromised immune system is unable to kill these abnormal cells resulting in an increased risk of developing cancer.
Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
DES was used between 1940 and 1971 for prevention of miscarriage. Women who were prenatally exposed to DES (DES daughters) are at increased risk for developing vaginal cancer than women who are not exposed. DES daughters have a relatively higher risk of developing clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina than that of the cervix. Further, the risk of vaginal cancer is highest in those DES daughters who were exposed to the drug during the initial 16 weeks of pregnancy.
How to Prevent Vaginal Cancer?
100% vaginal cancer prevention is not possible. This is because we do not know the exact cause of this cancer type. That said, it is possible to reduce the risk of vaginal cancer with certain lifestyle modifications. The following are some of the important vaginal cancer prevention measures:
Get Vaccinated Against HPV
As HPV infection is one of the most common vaginal cancer risk factors, getting vaccinated with the HPV vaccine is considered one of the most effective vaginal cancer prevention methods.
Get Regular Pap Smears
Vaginal cancer begins with the formation of precancerous lesions. It means that the abnormal cells occur at the initial stage, and when they are not detected and treated appropriately, they lead to cancer formation. Thus, it is important for women, especially those at high risk for vaginal cancer, to undergo regular Pap smear tests to look for the presence of precancerous cells in the vaginal lining. Pap smear is an effective method for vaginal cancer prevention. Those with precancerous lesions in their cervix are at a higher risk for vaginal cancer. Therefore, it is important to opt for Pap tests regularly or as recommended by the gynecologist.
Avoid Smoking
Avoiding smoking reduces the risk of vaginal cancer by lowering the body’s exposure to harmful carcinogens. It not only lowers vaginal cancer risk but significantly reduces the risk of other cancers, including lung and bladder cancer.
Safe Sexual Practices
It is important to practice safe sex to lower the vaginal cancer risk. Practicing safer sex lowers the risk of HPV infection, as this infection may also spread through sexual activity, such as anal, vaginal, and oral sex. To increase the chances of vaginal cancer prevention, it is thus advisable to use condoms while engaging in sexual activity.
Immunization and Healthy Lifestyle
Following a healthy lifestyle and a standard immunization schedule is also an effective vaginal cancer prevention measure. Limiting the consumption of alcohol and daily exercise improves the overall health status. Further, a healthy diet has a direct effect on strengthening the immune system.
Awareness of Symptoms
Women, especially those who are at increased risk for gynecological cancers, should be aware of various symptoms. If persistent symptoms are experienced, it is important to see a gynecologist to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Regular Health Check-ups
Regular health check-ups, especially for the elderly, are also important, as certain chronic conditions also reduce the body's ability to fight against abnormal cells. A regular health check-up also helps determine one’s vaginal cancer risk.
Conclusion
Vaginal cancer risk factors include HPV infection, smoking, history of cervical and vulvar cancer, prenatal exposure to DES, advanced age, and immunosuppression. The most important vaginal cancer prevention measures include HPV vaccination, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, practicing safer sex, awareness of symptoms, and regular health check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
No specific diet can prevent vaginal cancer. However, a balanced diet that comprises protein, healthy fats, fibers, and other micronutrients helps lower the risk of vaginal cancer.
No, vaginal cancer is not completely preventable. However, one can adopt various measures that can help reduce their vaginal cancer risk, and they include practicing safe sex, taking the HPV vaccine, quitting tobacco, opting for regular health checkups, and consuming a balanced diet.
HPV vaccination may significantly lower the risk of vaginal cancer, as most vaginal cancers are associated with HPV infection.
Although oral contraceptives increase the risk of cervical cancer, there are no studies to suggest similar effects for vaginal cancer.
Women with a family history of vaginal cancer are at a higher risk of developing this condition, suggesting a genetic association with this cancer.
Early menstruation or late menopause increase the risk of several gynecological cancers. However, the impact of these events on the risk of vaginal cancer is not known.
If there are any unusual symptoms in the vaginal area, you should immediately consult a gynecologist for further evaluation.
