Prevention

Some gynecologic cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. There is a vaccine that protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It is recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls. Ideally, girls should get three doses of this vaccine before their first sexual contact. It also can be given to females who are 13–26 who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. If you or someone you care about is in this age range, talk with a doctor about it. Learn more about HPV and the HPV vaccine.

One of the gynecologic cancers—cervical cancer—has a screening test (the Pap test) that can find this cancer early, when treatment can be most effective. The Pap test can also prevent cervical cancer by finding precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. In addition to the Pap test, which is the main test for cervical cancer, there is a test that looks for HPV. It may be used for screening women aged 30 years and older, or at any age for women who have unclear Pap test results. Learn more about getting the Pap and HPV tests to screen for cervical cancer.

There is no simple and reliable way to test for the other gynecologic cancers in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. That is why it is important to know about the cancers, recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk. Talk with your doctor if you believe that you are at increased risk for gynecologic cancer and ask what you might do to lower your risk.