Vulval Cancer

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Your vulva is the external genital organs between your legs. It includes the inner and outer lips (labia) and clitoris. The vulva is not the same as the vagina - the vagina is inside, the vulva is outside.

Cancer of the vulva usually affects women over 60 but can affect women of all ages. It affects over 1,000 women per year (Cancer Research UK statistics 2003). To read a personal account from someone who has experienced Vulval Cancer, please click here.

You are at a higher risk of developing Vulval Cancer if you:

• Have a longstanding vulval condition called 'Lichen Sclerosus'.
• Have had Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. This is a common viral infection that is passed on during sexual intercourse and you may not know that you have it. (Click here for more information on HPV).

Remember: being at a higher risk does not mean that you have or will get cancer, but it is important to get checked out.

Symptoms:

• Vulval itching, soreness
• Obvious change in colour of the vulval skin
• A noticeable lump

Remember: having these symptoms does not mean that you have or will get cancer, but it is important to get them checked out. The earlier a cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. If you do think you have any of these symptoms, click here to find out what to do next.