Vulval cancer - Preventing vulval cancer

There is a strong link between certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV) and the development of abnormalities that may turn into vulval cancer.

Practising safer sex

As HPV is spread through unprotected sex, using a condom is the best way to avoid it. However, a condom can only provide limited protection against HPV so it is still important to attend your cervical screening tests (see below) even if you do practise safer sex.

Before beginning a sexual relationship with a new partner, it is a good idea for you both to be tested for sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health (GUM) clinic. All tests are free and carried out in confidence.

Read more about safer sex and sexual health.

Cervical screening tests

Regular cervical screening tests are also important in detecting sexually transmitted infections and pre-cancerous conditions such as vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia.

Read more about on cervical screening tests.

HPV vaccination

There is now a vaccine that provides protection against the strains of HPV that are thought to be responsible for most cases of vulval cancer. HPV vaccination also protects against cervical cancer, which is far more common than vulval cancer.

Girls should be offered the HPV vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunisation programme. The vaccine should be given to girls who are 12 to 13 years old, with three doses given over six months.

Quit smoking

You can decrease your chance of getting vulval cancer by not smoking. Smokers are less able to get rid of the HPV infection from the body, which can develop into cancer.