Vaginal cancer

If you’re affected by vaginal cancer, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is vaginal cancer?

This is cancer that starts in cells in the vagina. Get an overview of vaginal cancer, what causes it and who gets it.

Symptoms

Learn about the common symptoms of vaginal cancer and when to see your doctor.

Getting diagnosed

Find out about the tests for vaginal cancer, how it is diagnosed and staged, and who will provide your care.

Treating vaginal cancer

The main treatment for vaginal cancer is radiation therapy. Treatment may also include surgery or chemotherapy.

Managing side effects

Find out about the possible impacts of vaginal cancer treatments and how to manage side effects such as changes to the vulva and vagina, bladder changes and lymphoedema.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, what happens if the cancer returns, and how to look after your physical and mental health.

Questions for your doctorAsking your doctor questions will help you make an informed choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

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Diagnosis

What type of vaginal cancer do I have?
Has the cancer spread? If so, where has it spread? How fast is it growing?
Are the latest tests and treatments for this cancer available in this hospital?
Will a multidisciplinary team be involved in my care?
Are there clinical guidelines for this type of cancer?
Do I have HPV? Can I pass on HPV to my partner?

Treatment

What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
How long do I have to make a decision?
I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
How will we know if the treatment is working?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
Will the treatment affect my sex life and fertility?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?
Where can I get emotional support, such as counselling about body image or sexuality?

After treatment

How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
What will happen at each follow-up appointment?
If the cancer returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?

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