Recognising the early signs of vaginal cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment.One of the early signs of vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding.
While vaginal bleeding can sometimes be due to other reasons, it’s essential to rule out vaginal cancer.Another early sign of vaginal cancer is unusual vaginal discharge.
These can include pain with urination, blood in the urine or stool, constipation, back pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and leg swelling.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for vaginal cancer.
Being aware of the early signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer can help with early medical evaluation and treatment.
Here are 6
early signs
you should be aware of:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge
Image: Canva
Pain during intercourse
Presence of a lump or mass
Increased frequency of urination
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Progressive symptoms
Who is at risk?
Prevention and early detection
Vaginal cancer, though rare, is a serious condition that affects the thin, muscular tube extending from the uterus to the vulva. In its bi-annual report, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that more women than males are receiving cancer diagnoses in the country. The disease is expected to affect 1.57 million people in 2025, up from 1.46 million this year, frightening the country's healthcare system.Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. Recognising the early signs of vaginal cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment.One of the early signs of vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This could include bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sex. Any unexplained bleeding should be immediately checked by a doctor. While vaginal bleeding can sometimes be due to other reasons, it’s essential to rule out vaginal cancer.Another early sign of vaginal cancer is unusual vaginal discharge. This discharge may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling. While some vaginal discharge is normal, any sudden change in colour, consistency, or odour should be discussed with a healthcare provider.Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse can be an early indication of vaginal cancer. This pain may be felt as a deep ache or sharp discomfort during penetration. While there are many causes of pain during sex, persistent pain should be evaluated promptly.Feeling a lump or mass in the vagina is another early sign of vaginal cancer. This lump may feel hard or thickened and is usually painless. If you notice any unusual changes in the tissue of your vagina, it's important to get it checked by a doctor.An increase in the frequency of urination without any apparent cause can sometimes be an early sign of vaginal cancer. If you find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's essential to discuss this with a doctor.As vaginal cancer progresses, more severe symptoms may develop. These can include pain with urination, blood in the urine or stool, constipation, back pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and leg swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention quickly.Vaginal cancer is more common in people over the age of 60, with about 50% of those diagnosed being over 70 years old and 20% over 80 years old. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for vaginal cancer. It's recommended that all female individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 undergo regular screenings, including Pap tests and HPV screening .Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of vaginal cancer. Regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV screenings, can help detect precancerous changes in the cells of the vagina before they develop into cancer. Being aware of the early signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer can help with early medical evaluation and treatment.
