*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Treatment

Treatment for vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

The main treatment for vaginal cancer is radiotherapy. You may also have surgery and chemotherapy.

The specialist team looking after you will:

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells. It's the main treatment for vaginal cancer.

Radiotherapy for vaginal cancer can be given from outside or inside the body (brachytherapy).

Surgery is usually only used on vaginal cancer that's found early. It's also used if radiotherapy has not worked.

There are several surgeries used to treat vaginal cancer.

Different surgeries involve removing:

part of the vagina - this is only possible if the cancer is small and is in the upper section of your vagina
all of the vagina - sometimes lymph nodes in your pelvis are removed too
the vagina, cervix and womb (hysterectomy) - this can include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes
the vagina, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes, and all or parts of the bladder, bowel and rectum - this is only offered if the cancer has spread and other treatment is not possible

If your vagina has to be removed, you can ask the surgeon about vaginal reconstruction.

A vaginal reconstruction uses skin and muscle from other parts of your body to create a new vagina.

This means you may be able to have vaginal sex again once you have recovered from the operation.

Ask your surgeon about the risks and benefits of vaginal reconstruction. Some people decide they do not want to have additional surgery.

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.

It's not often used on its own to treat vaginal cancer.

You may have chemotherapy with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).

A member of your specialist team will be able to tell you how often you will need check-ups after your treatment.

You will usually be seen every few months for the first few years. At each visit a doctor or nurse will check if you have any worries or problems.

It can also help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation if you get anxious between appointments.

The Eve Appeal has a free specialist health information helpline to answer any questions you may have. Call 0808 802 0019.
Macmillan Cancer Support also has a free helpline. Call 0808 808 0000.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.