Key points
- Each type of gynecologic cancer (cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar) has different risk factors.
- Risk increases with age.
HPV vaccine
Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
- HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens age 11 to 12, but can be given starting at age 9.
- HPV vaccination also is recommended for everyone through age 26, if they are not vaccinated already.
- Some adults age 27 to 45 who are not already vaccinated may get the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
Screening tests
Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Cancer screening tests are effective when they can find disease early, which can lead to more effective treatment. (Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms. The purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is causing the symptoms.)
Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can find this cancer early, when treatment works best. The Pap test also helps prevent cervical cancer by finding precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. A test called the HPV test looks for HPV infection. It can be used for screening women who are 30 or older.
Recognize the symptoms
Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize symptoms and learn if there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
Talk with your doctor if you believe you are at increased risk
It is important for all women to know and tell their doctors about their family history of cancer. If your family has a health history of breast, ovarian, or other cancers, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling and testing. Talk with your doctor if you believe that you are at increased risk for gynecologic cancer. Ask what you might do to lower your risk and whether there are tests that you should have.