|
|
|
Causes & Risk Factors for Vaginal Cancer |
|
The greatest risk factor for vaginal cancer is having a mother who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant. DES is a hormonal drug that was prescribed between 1940 and 1971 for some women thought to be at increased risk of miscarriage. About 1 of every 1,000 women whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them develops clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix. Most DES daughters are now between the ages of 30 and 60.
Additional risk factors
- Age: Squamous cell cancer of the vagina occurs mainly in older women.
- Vaginal adenosis: A change in the cells of the vagina.
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). About 65% to 80% of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia cancers contain HPV.
- Cervical or Vulvar Cancer. Having cervical cancer, cervical pre-cancerous conditions, or vulvar cancer can increase your risk.
- Smoking
Read more about Vaginal Cancer
 Request a Consultation with a UCSD Gynecologic Oncology Specialist Using our Online Form
 Call our New Patient Office at (858) 822-6100, or toll-free (866) 773-2703
Gynecologic Cancer Unit
Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |