Vagina

Birth canal.

Vaginal Dilators
(Dilator, Dilators)

Penis-shaped objects used to stretch the vagina after radiotherapy to the pelvic area or cervix. Can help to prevent the vagina becoming too narrow to have sex comfortably. Can also be used after surgery that has resulted in nerve damage to the vagina which may also cause narrowing.

Vaginal Douche

Cleaning the inside of the vagina by rinsing with water. Sometimes recommended after radiotherapy to the vagina or cervix, when infection is more likely.

Vaginal Pack

Gauze wadding put into the vagina during internal radiotherapy to help keep the applicators holding the radioactive source in place. Used during treatment for cancer of the cervix or vagina. See Internal Radiotherapy, Radioactive Source.

Virus
(Viruses)

Type of organism that 'breeds' by getting into the cells of another organism. In doing this, they often cause disease. For example, flu is caused by a virus. Viruses are tiny and can only be seen under a microscope. Some viruses contribute to causing cancer by causing mutations in genes. See Genes, Mutation.

Vitamin A

An anti-oxidant vitamin found in oily fish, liver, kidney, dairy produce and eggs. Beta carotene is found in carrots, yellow vegetables and dark green vegetables and is converted to vitamin A in the body. Anti-oxidant vitamins may help prevent cancer by stopping damage to cells within the body.

Vitamin C

An anti-oxidant vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables. Anti-oxidant vitamins may help prevent cancer by stopping damage to cells within the body.

Vitamin E

An anti-oxidant vitamin found in vegetable oils, cereals and eggs. Anti-oxidant vitamins may help prevent cancer by stopping damage to cells within the body.

Vitamins

Naturally occurring substances that are necessary for normal growth and keeping healthy. Vitamins must be included in small amounts in the diet because they cannot be made by the body. See Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

Vomiting

Being sick.