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Screening for Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers

Key points

  • There is no simple and reliable way to test for vaginal or vulvar cancers in women who do not have any signs or symptoms.
  • That's why it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

What to know

a woman talking to her doctor
If you notice any changes in your body that could be a sign of vaginal or vulvar cancer, talk to your doctor about them.

There are no screening tests for vaginal or vulvar cancers in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for vaginal or vulvar cancers.

Screening tests are used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. 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. Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a person who is considered at high risk for cancer.

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

Here are steps you can take:

  • Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you.
  • If you notice any changes in your body that are not normal for you and could be a sign of vaginal or vulvar cancer, talk to your doctor about them.

Resources

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control