Practising safe sex
There is a strong link between certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV) and the development of abnormalities that may turn into vulval cancer.
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 safe 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 conducted in confidence.
Read more about safe 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.
Read more about HPV vaccination.
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.
Read more about quitting smoking.
