international-womens-day
March 2025 5 MIN READ

Looking After Women’s Health Issues From Top To Bottom

Here at Boux Avenue we don’t just celebrate women on International Women’s Day (the 8th March), but all year round. Our partnerships with CoppaFeel! and Eve Appeal allows us to help support and look after women’s health from top to bottom. Whilst reminding all women to love themselves and understand their body - because the first step to spotting any potential health issue is knowing what’s normal for you. 

It’s never too late to learn about our bodies and how to look after our health. These small, simple steps can make a big difference:

  • Learn about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and gynaecological cancers.
  • Check your chest and vulva monthly and get to know what feels normal for you.
  • Attend your cervical screenings when invited and get your HPV vaccination if you’re eligible.
  • If in doubt, get it checked out - early detection is the best form of defence, so if you notice anything unusual for you, get it checked out by your GP.
    • The Eve Appeal

    WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GYNAECOLOGIVAL CANCERS?

     

    There are five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. Symptoms of gynae cancers can include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, a change in the skin or a lump on the vagina or vulva, changes in the bowel and/or urinary habits and persistent abdominal bloating or pain.

    The key is to know what’s normal for your body. If something changes, even if it seems small, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP.

    WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK YOUR VULVA?

    It probably won't come as a much of a surprise to you that awareness of vulval cancer is low, but did you know that 8 in 10 women have never checked their vulva for signs of cancer?

    Everyone’s vulva is unique– the shape, size, texture and smell, which is why it’s crucial to know what’s normal for you. This way, any changes—no matter how small—are easier to spot, potentially catching cancer early when it’s more treatable.

    Knowledge is power and checking your vulva regularly could just save your life.

    Sign up to receive monthly self-check reminders from The Eve Appeal to check your vulva. You’ll also be sent information about how to check and what to look out for.

    The Eve Appeal stat The Eve Appeal stat
    Signs and Symptoms

    HOW TO CHECK YOUR VULVA

    We encourage women and people with gynae organs to check their vulva once a month. Here are our top tips for self-checking: 

  • Wash your hands
  • Sit comfortably, with a mirror, in a well-lit room or use a torch 
  • Place the mirror between your legs
  • Start on the outside and look and feel for any pain, soreness, lumps, rashes or changes to your skin
  • Open the labia, look and feel for any pain, soreness, lumps, rashes or changes to your skin
  • Check around the opening to your vagina and your perineum. 

    • The symptoms of vulval cancer are a persistent vulval itch, pain or soreness around the vulva, thickened, raised, red, lighter or darker patches on the skin of the vulva, an open sore or growth visible on the skin, a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour, a lump or swelling on the vulva or anything that is not normal for you. 

    If you spot any new changes or you are worried about anything you have noticed, it is always best to get in touch with your GP so anything serious can be ruled out.  Never forget to check your vulva by signing up to our monthly text reminder service here.

    You can also speak to an Ask Eve nurse for free to chat about any questions or worries. You can email nurse@eveappeal.org.uk, call 0808 802 0019 or fill in The Eve Appeal’s online contact form.

    CoppaFeel!

    WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?

     

    Be aware of any changes that could be signs of breast cancer by getting into the habit of checking your chest once a month. Remember that some changes happen naturally and can be perfectly normal. Discover more on what to do if you spot anything unusual.

    Signs of Breast Cancer may include: 

  • Skin changes such as puckering or dimpling.
  • Unusual lump or swelling in your armpit, or around your collarbone.
  • Unusual lumps and thickening.
  • Liquid coming from your nipple.
  • A sudden, unusual change in size or shape.
  • The nipple is pulled inwards or changes direction.
  • A rash or crusting on or around your nipple.
  • Constant, unusual pain in your breast or pec, or armpit.

    • Our ‘breasties’ at CoppaFeel! have lots more information on breast cancer signs and symptoms to support you on getting clued up when it comes to breast cancer.

    HOW TO CHECK YOUR CHEST
    You can check in any way that feels comfortable for you. In the shower, when you’re lying down in bed or in the mirror when you’re putting on your bra. It’s important that you check every month, so you can get to know what’s normal for you.

    And remember - if in doubt, get it checked out. 

    The CoppaFeel! Self-Checkout can help you understand how to check your chest and give you some handy tips on how to get started whether you’re new to checking or already checking your chest every month. CoppaFeel!’s Self-Checkout includes a step by step guide on how to check and gives you the option to sign up for a free SMS or email reminder to check your chest every month. 

    Now you’ve learnt a little more about breast cancer and regularly checking, it’s time to enact some positive change and get checking yourself! Sign up to CoppaFeel!’s text reminders by texting CHEST to 82228 or visit coppafeel.org to find out more.

    To learn more about how Boux Avenue are working with CoppaFeel and the Eve Appeal, read our Wellness Blogs

    CoppaFeel! Signs and Symptoms
    CoppaFeel! Signs and Symptoms