An analysis of vulvar carcinoma (ICD No. 176.0) from the California Tumor Registry data, 1942–1969, was performed. While the incidence rate for vulvar cancer has increased slightly from 1.8 (1960) to 2.2 (1969) per 100,000 population (age-adjusted), the absolute and relative survival rates for vulvar carcarcinoma in California for localized lesions have declined drastically (85% 5-year relative survival in 1942–1954 versus 75% 5-year relative survival in 1955–1969), and localized lesions have increased from 7 to 23% for these time periods, respectively. The reason for this decline appears to be a decline in the use of radical vulvectomy, radiation therapy and adjuvant radiation therapy. For all stages of vulvar cancer, the 5-year relative survival rates have increased from 66% (1942–1954) to 70% (1955–1969). A further study of these data by the FIGO classification scheme is in progress. The rarity of vulvar cancer in the nonwhite races is emphasized.