Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors
Learn More About Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors: Chat with Us | Email Us
Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors
Human Papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually-transmitted group of more than 100 viruses, has been found to cause certain cellular abnormalities that may be linked to different kinds of cancer that occur in the vagina. Some of the more common HPV strains may cause warts (papillomas). However, other types of HPV infections may have no visible symptoms. Protection against HPV may help many younger women reduce their vaginal cancer risk.
Women under age 30 have an increased risk of HPV. There are certain sexual behaviors that can help decrease that risk, including using protection during intercourse and not having sex with anyone who has had multiple sexual partners.
It is important to note that HPV infections may spread by skin-to-skin contact, even when there are no visible symptoms of an infection. Vaccines have been developed that may protect against certain strains of HPV; however these vaccines are usually recommended for younger women, typically between the ages of nine and 26.
Women with a pre-cancerous condition called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) may also have an elevated risk of vaginal cancer. Whereas HPV is an infection that may cause the development of pre-cancerous cells, the cause of these abnormal cell growths (neoplasia) is not well understood. This condition, like HPV is also more common in women under the age of 30.
DES and Vaginal Cancer
Daughters of women who were given Diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage are also at an increased risk for vaginal cancers. Pregnant mothers were given this drug from 1940-1971, until doctors became aware of the harmful effect of the drug.
The drug has been found to increase the baby's risk of a rare type of vaginal cancer, clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA). Women born to mothers who were exposed to the drug during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy have the highest risk for CCA.
Women exposed to DES in the womb are more likely to have a condition called vaginal adenosis, which is an abnormal type of vaginal tissue and, although non-cancerous, vaginal adenosis may also increase the risk for clear cell adenocarcinoma. Vaginal adenosis occurs in nearly all women who were exposed to DES in the womb. This condition is characterized by glandular cells lining the vagina instead of flat squamous cells. Women diagnosed with adenosis are recommended to have regular follow-up visits.
Other Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors
In addition to certain pre-cancerous conditions and exposure to DES, there are other factors that affect a women's risk for vaginal cancers, including:
Smoking - The American Cancer Society says chemicals inhaled while smoking more than doubles a woman's risk of being diagnosed with vaginal cancer.
Age - Squamous cell cancer of the vagina is more common in older women.
Other Cervical Cancers - Cervical and vulvar cancers share certain risk factors, such as smoking and HPV, all of which increase a women's risk for vaginal squamous cell cancer.
These vaginal cancer risk factors are general guidelines to help doctors identify potentially high risk women. Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop vaginal cancer.
It is also possible that women without any of these known risk factors may develop vaginal, vulvar or another type of gynecological cancer. Following the recommended guidelines for gynecological testing can help you and your doctor monitor potentially pre-cancerous conditions.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Next Topic: Vaginal Cancer Symptoms
