Incidence Rates of Vaginal Cancer Across Ages and Races
In the realm of gynecological cancers, vaginal cancer is a relatively uncommon occurrence, accounting for less than 1% of all such cancers in the United States. This rarity means that detailed incidence data by age and race are not as widely available as for more common cancers like cervical, uterine, and ovarian.
Vaginal cancer begins in the cells of the vagina, a muscular canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. There are several types of vaginal cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells that line the surface of the vagina, is the most common type. Adenocarcinoma, which starts in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina, is less common.
The risk factors for vaginal cancer include age, HPV infection, smoking, and a history of cervical cancer. People with a history of cervical cancer or atypical Pap tests have an increased risk of vaginal cancer. Certain types of HPV can increase the risk of vaginal cancer, similar to its role in cervical cancer.
Interestingly, non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islanders and non-Hispanic white people have similar vaginal cancer rates (0.37 and 0.64 per 100,000 people, respectively). Among all racial and ethnic groups, Hispanic people have the lowest vaginal cancer rate (0.64 per 100,000 people). However, non-Hispanic Black people are more likely to receive a diagnosis of advanced-stage vaginal cancer and have a higher mortality rate compared to white people.
Doctors most commonly diagnose vaginal cancer in people aged 70 and over. The incidence of vaginal cancer increases with age, with the median age of diagnosis being approximately 60 years old. It's worth noting that other types of cancer may spread to the vagina, which is called vaginal metastasis, and it is not the same as primary vaginal cancer.
While vaginal cancer is rare, it's essential to be aware of its existence and the risk factors associated with it. Regular check-ups and screenings, along with a healthy lifestyle, can help in early detection and treatment, improving the chances of a positive outcome.
For more detailed information on cervical or uterine cancer incidence and disparities by age and race, those are documented with greater detail and show clear racial disparities and age-related risk differences. However, the scarcity of large-scale screening programs for vaginal cancer contributes to the lack of comprehensive specific incidence rates by age and race in recent major studies or reports.
Sources:
- American Cancer Society. (2021). Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- American Cancer Society. (2021). Key Statistics for Uterine Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/uterine-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Cervical Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2018, Female Genital Organ Sites. Retrieved from https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2018/browse_csr.php?sectionSEL=20&pageSEL=Table.15.00&pagenum=37
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-key-statistics
- Some types of HPV, known to increase the risk of cervical cancer, can also raise the risk of vaginal cancer.
- Despite accounting for less than 1% of all gynecological cancers, vaginal cancer is more common among non-Hispanic Black people, who also have a higher mortality rate compared to white people.
- Hispanic people have the lowest vaginal cancer rate among all racial and ethnic groups, demonstrating a significant difference in incidence by ethnicity.
- As vaginal cancer is relatively rare, comprehensive specific incidence rates by age and Hispanic ethnicity are not as widely available as for more common cancers like cervical or uterine cancer.
- In the discussion of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and women's health, it's crucial to acknowledge the existence of vaginal cancer and emphasize regular check-ups and screenings for early detection and treatment, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
