Breaking the Silence on Vulval Cancer

Afrikaanse Media Vrystelling

1 August 2026 – As part of Women’s Month, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) encourages women to pay attention to changes in the external genital area, known medically as the vulva, and to seek medical advice without shame or delay.

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CANSA’s ‘Know Your Vulva, Know When to Ask’ campaign aims to give women the language and confidence to talk about symptoms affecting this part of the body.

“Women are often taught to feel embarrassed about discussing intimate health concerns. This can delay them from seeking help when symptoms persist or keep returning,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA National Manager: Health Programmes. “Our message is simple: know what is normal for you and ask for help when something changes.”

The vulva is the external genital area and is different from the vagina, which is internal. Using the correct word helps women explain symptoms more clearly to healthcare professionals.

Vulval cancer (also known as vulvar cancer) is uncommon, but South African research shows that cases are increasing and that it can affect younger, middle-aged and older women. An analysis of South African National Cancer Registry data found that the incidence of vulval squamous cell carcinoma increased by an estimated 8% per year between 2011 and 2021. The largest increases in incidence were recorded among women aged 15 to 44 and 45 to 54.

According to CANSA’s summary of the 2024 National Cancer Registry data, cancer of the vulva was among the 10 most frequently diagnosed invasive cancers in South African women. A total of 1 078 cases were confirmed through the examination of tissue samples, with an estimated lifetime risk of one in 347 among South African women.

Changes that should be Checked

Possible warning signs of vulval cancer can include:

• persistent itching, burning or pain
• a lump, swelling or area of thickened skin
• a sore, ulcer or wound that does not heal
• a change in the colour or appearance of the skin
• bleeding not related to menstruation
• pain when urinating
• pain or discomfort during sex
• symptoms that return after repeated treatment

These symptoms are often caused by conditions other than cancer. However, any symptom that lasts longer than two weeks, keeps returning or does not improve with usual treatment should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

“Finding one of these symptoms does not mean that a woman has cancer,” adds Govender. “It does mean that the cause should be properly investigated, especially when the symptom persists or repeatedly returns.”

HPV, Vaccination and Screening

Some vulval cancers are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV vaccination is an important form of cancer prevention, and CANSA encourages parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine through South Africa’s vaccination programme.

Women should also follow national guidance on cervical screening. Cervical screening can detect HPV or abnormal cells in the cervix, but it does not test for vulval cancer. Women should therefore still report persistent changes on the vulva, even when cervical screening results are normal. CANSA stresses that HPV must be discussed without judgement or stigma.

HPV is common, and a person may have the virus for years without knowing it.

“Knowing your body and speaking up early gives healthcare professionals the opportunity to examine the symptom, identify the cause and arrange further care if needed,” concludes Govender. “There is no shame in asking for help.”

References

• Shing JZ, Mashele S, Tsegaye AT, Da Costa Dias B, Engels EA, Chikandiwa A, et al. “Changes in incidence of HPV-related cancers in South Africa, 2011–21: a cross-sectional analysis of the South African National Cancer Registry.” The Lancet Global Health. 2025.
• Cancer Association of South Africa. Incidence of Cancer in South Africa According to the National Cancer Registry – 2024. CANSA. 2026.
• National Cancer Registry and Cancer Statistics overview, South Africa – 2024.
• Sajo AE, Mnisi EF, Bassa S, Visser C, Dreyer G. “Clinico-pathological and treatment characteristics of HIV- and non-HIV-related vulvar cancers: analysis of a South African cohort.” PLOS ONE. 2025.
• World Health Organization. Human papillomavirus and cancer. Fact sheet. 5 March 2024.
• South African Government and National Department of Health. Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign to protect girls from cervical cancer. 2026.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer Risk Factors. 2024.
• Cancer Association of South Africa. Fact Sheet on Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Cancer. December 2025.

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).

Published: 5 August 2026 | Last Updated: 5 August 2026
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA Highlights, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Types of cancer, Women's Health