117 A comprehensive study recently published has highlighted a worrying global increase in the incidence of vaginal cancer, calling for urgent targeted healthcare interventions, particularly in regions with lower human development indices (HDIs) and high rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study, which collected and analysed data from numerous global health databases, is the most extensive of its kind and offers a fresh look at the trends, distributions, and risk factors associated with vaginal cancer across different populations worldwide. The findings were published in the journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. In 2020, there were nearly 18,000 new cases of vaginal cancer reported globally, with the age-standardised rate (ASR) of the disease being most prevalent in South-Central Asia and Southern Africa. The study found significant regional disparities in the incidence rates, with some of the highest numbers reported in less developed regions. This variation can be attributed primarily to differences in HDI and the prevalence of HPV, a well-known risk factor for vaginal cancer. The research identifies multiple risk factors associated with higher incidence rates of vaginal cancer. These include unsafe sex and HIV infection, factors that are notably preventable through comprehensive educational campaigns and broader access to HPV vaccination. Despite the availability of effective vaccines that target the types of HPV most often linked to vaginal cancers, vaccination rates remain suboptimal worldwide. One of the more striking findings from the study is the sharp increase in vaginal cancer cases in certain countries, with notable rises observed in Iceland, Chile, Bahrain, and the UK. These trends underscore the need for enhanced preventative strategies, including better vaccination programmes and more robust public health campaigns aimed at reducing the risk factors associated with the disease. The study’s authors call for increased international cooperation to tackle this growing health concern, suggesting that low and middle-income countries, in particular, should prioritise the integration of HPV vaccination into their national public health strategies. They also recommend that efforts be redoubled in regions with low HDIs, where the burden of vaginal cancer is especially severe and healthcare resources are often lacking. This alarming rise in the incidence of vaginal cancer globally is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the international community to invest in better prevention, education, and treatment strategies. As the study suggests, addressing the socio-economic and educational disparities that contribute to higher disease rates can play a crucial role in curbing the spread of this potentially devastating disease. With concerted efforts, it is possible to decrease the incidence of vaginal cancer significantly and improve outcomes for women worldwide.