May, 20265 MIN READ
Let’s Talk Gynae Health with The Eve Appeal
Did you know there are five types of gynaecological cancers?
The five types of gynaecological cancers are: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. Every year in the UK, around 22,050 women and people with gynae organs are diagnosed with one of these cancers. That means around 60 people receive this life-changing news every day.
At Boux Avenue we are proud to be supporting the Eve Appeal - the UK’s leading charity raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers. Their vision is simple: a world where all gynaecological cancers are prevented or detected early.
By partnering with the Eve Appeal we are able to help open up conversations around gynae health, break down stigma, and encourage everyone to know their normal, recognise when something feels different, and feel comfortable seeking support.
What are the signs and symptoms of the five gynaecological cancers?
The first step to being able to spot any cancer symptoms is to know your body and what is normal for you.
Gynaecological cancer symptoms can include:
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-Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, including any bleeding after the menopause
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-Persistent bloating, feeling full more quickly or nausea
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-A persistent itch, lump or changes to the vulval skin or vagina
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-Unexplained lower back, abdominal or pelvic pain.
Have you noticed symptoms that are not normal for you? They’re more likely to be caused by something less serious than cancer, but it’s worth getting checked by a doctor, just in case.
How can you look after your gynae health?
We don’t always know what causes cancer, but we do know there are some factors which can either increase or decrease your risk.
Knowing your body
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of all gynae cancers so that any new, persistent, or changing symptoms can be checked. It is more likely these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer, but knowing what symptoms to look out for means cancer can be detected earlier, when it is easier to treat.
Ways to stay aware of your gynae health include:
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-Checking your vulva regularly
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-Tracking your periods Attending your cervical screening appointments
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-Knowing all five gynae cancers and their symptoms.
Healthy eating and physical activity
You can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, reducing your alcohol intake, and being physically active. It is advised that adults should try and aim for 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week. NHS can help with some general healthy eating and fitness ideas. If you have not exercised for a while or are not sure if it is safe, always speak to your GP or clinical team.
Smoking
Smoking is the largest cause of cancer in the UK. It increases the risk of developing cervical, vaginal, vulval and other types of HPV- related cancers by weakening your immune system. This makes it harder for your immune system to clear high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus, which 8 in 10 of us will get at some point during our lives. Our immune systems usually clear HPV within two years without causing any problems. If HPV isn’t cleared and ‘persists’ it can sometimes lead to the development of certain cancers.
Stopping smoking can reduce your risk of cancer and improve your overall health. If you’d like to quit smoking, the NHS has support to help.
Where to go for more information on the five gynae cancers?
To find out more information on each of the five gynae cancers and how to spot them, you can visit The Eve Appeal’s website.
If you’re worried about any gynae symptoms you or a loved one is having, or you or someone you know has been diagnosed with one of the five gynae cancers, Ask Eve is here to help. Ask Eve is a free and confidential information and support service from The Eve Appeal nurses.
To contact Ask Eve, call 0808 802 0019 – free to call from landlines and mobile phones – or email nurse@eveappeal.org.uk, or you can fill in the contact form, and an Ask Eve Nurse will get back to you.