Finding vaginal cancer early

When vaginal cancer is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Get regular health checkups and see your doctor if you have any symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, or if you are worried about your health.

Most women should have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. This test may also find vaginal cancer and precancerous conditions of the vagina. It is not used as a regular screening test for vaginal cancer because it was developed to find abnormal cervical cells rather than abnormal vaginal cells.

If you have a higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for vaginal cancer. Talk to your doctor about tests that can help find vaginal cancer early, including the following:

• Pap test
• pelvic exam
• colposcopy (a type of endoscopy to look at the vagina and cervix)