It's no surprise that few know the symptoms of vulva cancer or what the risk factors of the condition are.

Here is what every woman should know about this cancer, & the 6 signs to look out for.

What is vulval cancer?

Vulval cancer affects the skin of a woman's external genitals.

"This consists of the lips surrounding the vagina – the 2 inner lips (the labia minora) & two outer lips (the labia majora) labia majora, the clitoris & the Bartholin's glands," explains Tracey.

The exact cause of vulval cancer is imprecise, but your risk of developing it developes with age. Around 80 percent of vulval cancers are diagnosed in women over 60, but it can be seen in younger women as well.

The pre-cancerous form of the condition – vulva intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), where cells in the vulva are abnormal – tends to be diagnosed in women aged 30 to 50. This pre-cancerous form does not essentially mean that you will get vulva cancer, but it may develop into a cancer, so it should be strongly monitored. Tracie says:

"Lots of the precancerous stages of vulvar cancer can be treated if they are caught early enough, so it's important to be aware of the signs & symptoms of the disease. Pre-cancerous changes known as VIN 1, 2 or 3 (graded by severity) can be treated by minor skin surgery or topical treatments & monitored."

What increases the risk of getting vulval cancer?

In younger women, vulva cancer is frequently associated with human papilloma virus (HPV), which is passed from person to person during sexual contact.

Smoking & inflammatory skin conditions affecting the vulva, particularly lichen sclerosus (a common dry skin condition) can also increase your chances of developing the condition.

The signs to look out for

Regardless of being a lesser known cancer, It is important to recognize any changes on your vulva. "Most women do not inspect their vulvas, & even if they do the majority are unaware as to what's normal," says Harley street GP Dr Pixie McKenna.

Tracie runs through the key signs & symptoms of vulva cancer:

1.Any changes in the appearance of vulva skin

It is important to be aware of skin changes. This includes changes to the texture or colour, likewise irritation, ulceration & thickened, raised red, white or dark patches & broken & non-healing skin.

2.Pain or soreness

Sometimes this can present itself as a prickly feeling, a discomfort or tender area.

3.A lasting itch

Of course, itchiness can be caused by other conditions, like thrush, but it is always worth getting it checked out.

4.An open sore or growth visible on the skin

This may be raised, itchy, aching or bleeding.

5.A mole on the vulva

Notice any changes in shape or colour of any moles that you have on the vulva.

6.A lump or swelling in the vulva

Check for any lump or swelling that you are just not used to having there. It could just be an ingrown hair, but better to get checked out.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP. Caught early vulva cancer is totally curable & a very simple (& quick) skin biopsy is usually all that is needed to diagnose it, explains Tracie.

"Furthermore, if the biopsy identifies a non-cancerous condition, the doctor will be able to prescribe the right ointments or creams to resolve the discomfort."

Reducing your risk

"Awareness & taking action if something does not seem right are the keys to early detection," says Pixie. According to the Eve Appeal, a shockingly high 2/3 of women cannot identify their vulva. Learning about your anatomy & regularly self-examining by using a mirror & good light are paramount to reducing your risk. Pixie says:

"If you don't know about your anatomy, you are certainly not going to be able to tell what's normal & what's not. In addition, if something doesn't seem right, don't shy away about showing it to your doctor," explains Pixie. "It's impossible to totally eliminate all cancer risk, but not smoking, undergoing a HPV vaccine, practicing safe sex & self-checking all help."

Although it is important to attend your cervical screening, you shouldn't rely on these alone to protect your gynecological health – & that means the health of your womb, your ovaries, as well as your vulva. "Smears can only pick up pre-cancerous cells of the cervix," says Tracie.

"I see many women who think that because they've had a gynecological test, that is a smear, they are in the all clear. Any changes of the skin should be checked independently of having a smear done."

The embarrassment factor

"Most significantly, we need to encourage women to lose the embarrassment factor & to call & talk to their GPs when they experience lumps, bumps, itching, pain or discomfort in their vulva," says Tracie. "The thing is the embarrassment comes from the women, which I totally get, rather than the doctor. & it is really a difficult one to get over."