If you have any of the symptoms of vulvar cancer, your first step will be to visit your GP, who will conduct initial tests. If you need further tests, the GP will refer you to a specialist such as a gynaecologist or gynaecological oncologist.
If the tests show that you have vulvar cancer, the specialist will work out how far it has spread. This is known as staging.
After a vulvar cancer diagnosis, you are likely to see a range of health professionals, who will all play a part in your treatment.
Many women feel shocked and upset when told they have vulvar cancer. If you need support, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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Prof Jonathan Carter, Director, Gynaecological Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Professor of Gynaecological Oncology, The University of Sydney, NSW; Ellen Barlow, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Gynaecological Cancer Centre, The Royal Hospital for Women, NSW; Dr Dani Bullen, Clinical Psychologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Wendy Cram, Consumer; Dr Tiffany Daly, Senior Radiation Oncologist, Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Raymond Terrace (ROPART), South Brisbane, QLD; Kim Hobbs, Clinical Specialist Social Worker, Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Anya Traill, Head of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
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