Vaginal Cancer Trends in Women of Low Resources Settings

Background: Primary vaginal cancer is uncommon gynecological cancer though epiology is similar to cervical cancer, which is very common in this part of the world. However, vaginal cancer occurs mostly in elderly women. Objective: Analytical study was carried out to know trends, presentation, and stage at diagnosis of vaginal cancer in women from low resource settings. Materials and Methods: Vaginal cancer comprised of 1.6% cancers in women, 3.3% gynecological cancers between 1982-1987, 0.4% cancers in women, 0.6% gynecological cancers between 2008-2012. Only 7% women were of less than 50 years, 37% were of 50-60 years, 56% above 65 years. All women were multipara, 90% from low economic status. All cases reported in late stages 13%, stage II 87%, stage III and IV, no one with stage one. Management was according to stage. Since all cases were of advanced stage at diagnosis, they were treated with chemo radiotherapy/palliation. Conclusion: Over the years, cases of cervical, ovarian cancers have been increasing, but vaginal cancers decreasing. Cervical cancer is rampant, not vaginal, though etiology is believed to be the same. Research is needed.