One out of 1,100 women will develop vaginal cancer in her lifetime. Most cases of vaginal cancer can be cured if caught in the early stages. In fact, the American Cancer Society predicts that only 1,240 women will die of vaginal cancer this year. However, if you or someone close to you is one of those women, this cancer can lead to tragedy. Because vaginal cancer can usually be cured if it's detected early, it's important to understand this disease and its signs so you can avoid tragic circumstances.

What is vaginal cancer?

Vaginal cancer is when malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina, the canal leading from the opening of the uterus to the outside of the body. There are two main types of this cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma: This type of vaginal cancer is most commonly found in women under 30. It forms in the glandular cells that line the vagina. These cells produce and release mucus-like fluids in the vaginal canal. Adenocarcinoma can also spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Most commonly found in women who are older than 60, squamous cell carcinoma forms in the flat cells in the walls of the vagina. Generally, this cancer spreads slowly and stays in the vagina.

Symptoms

Vaginal cancers rarely exhibit symptoms in the early stages, however, the earlier you can detect the signs, the better. These symptoms can be easily ignored. For this reason, it's important to regularly visit a gynecologist.

Here are the symptoms of vaginal cancer:

1. Abnormal bleeding or discharge

One of the symptoms of vaginal cancer is bleeding from the vagina. This symptom is easily ignored because as a woman, it's easy to mistake for your period or spotting. Be aware of what is and what it not normal for your body. For example, bloody discharge between periods or after menopause or a period that is suddenly heavier than normal may be signs of vaginal cancer.

2. Changes in bathroom habits

Going to the bathroom more often than usual, blood in your urine or stool and constipation are all signs of vaginal cancer.

3. Pelvic pain

Pain between your hip bones, especially when you urinate or have sex can indicate vaginal cancer.

4. Lump in the vagina

While many of the bumps on your vagina are not harmful in any way, an unusual bump could be cancerous.

If you have these symptoms, especially if you have them in conjunction with each other, visit a doctor to get a professional opinion.

Risk factors

You are at a higher risk of contracting vaginal cancer if you:

• have Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV)

• have a history of cervical or uterine cancer

• are older than 60

• have had a hysterectomy

• were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb

To make sure your body is running properly, use an Ava bracelet. Ava can help you understand the ways your monthly cycle is impacting your body. For example, it can help you understand how your cycle impacts your sleep, the effects hormonal fluctuations have on the rest of your body and when you are your most fertile.

The more you know about your body, the easier it'll be to detect when something's not right.