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Doctors don’t know what causes vulvar cancer, but have identified many possible risk factors. These risk factors can make one woman more likely to get vulvar cancer than another woman. But just because a woman has one or more risk factors does not mean she will get vulvar cancer. In fact, a woman can have all of the risk factors and still not get the disease. Or, a woman can have no known risk factors and get vulvar cancer. Unlike other cancers such as breast or ovarian cancer, there is no hereditary risk for vulvar cancer. This list will help you understand some of the risk factors for vulvar cancer.
I am a woman age 50 or older.
If so, you are more at risk for squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of vulvar cancer. Most women diagnosed with this cancer are between 50 and 70 years old.
I am a woman infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).
This group of viruses can cause genital warts and may increase the risk for vulvar cancer.
My mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) while she was pregnant with me.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who have been exposed to DES get an annual inspection of their vulva, vagina, and cervix. However, it’s worth knowing that no one has ever reported changes in the vulva from DES exposure.
I am a woman who smokes.
Smoking increases your risk for vulvar cancer. If you smoke and also have genital warts, your risk is even greater for vulvar cancer.
I’ve been diagnosed with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), also called dysplasia.
This precancerous condition causes a change in the cells on the surface of the vulva’s lining. It may or may not be visible, but having it may increase your risk for the most common type of vulvar cancer, squamous cell carcinoma.
I have lichen scierosus.
This condition, which makes your vulvar skin itchy and thin, slightly increases your risk of getting vulvar cancer.
People in my family have had melanoma.
If someone in your family has had melanoma or atypical moles, you have a higher risk of getting a melanoma of the vulva. There is no known hereditary risk for other types of vulvar cancer.
I have chronic vulvar infections.
Chronic infections of the skin of the vulva may also be a risk factor for vulvar cancer. Work with your doctor at improving hygiene or managing infections.
I am infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
This increases your risk for vulvar cancer.
I am a poor woman.
If a low income limits your access to medical care and prevents you from seeing a gynecologist, you may be at an increased risk for vulvar cancer.