May, 20255 MIN READ
Gynaecological Cancer Awareness: Inspirational Stories
Here at Boux Avenue it is our mission to help look after women's health from top to bottom. That is why, this May, we are keen to support our community with the help of The Eve Appeal, the UK’s leading Gynaecological Cancer Charity. We hope to be able to help educate our community and raise awareness around the five different types of gynaecological cancers - womb, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulva.
We are strong advocates in reminding you to go to your cervical screenings, understand the different signs & symptoms for the five gynaecological cancers and know what is right for your body. If ever in doubt be sure to seek medical advice where you can. If you are unsure of the signs and symptoms, or looking for more advice check out our Looking After Women’s Health Issues From Top To Bottom page.
From the 9th May until the 8th June, Boux Avenue is donating 10% of sales from their Ribbed Seamless Ditsy Floral Bralette in Pink Mix and the matching Ribbed Seamless Ditsy Floral Thong & Brief in Pink Mix,*. To help show why this is so important, Boux Avenue teamed up with two incredible women who have lived with a form of gynecological cancer. Be sure to read on to discover Lydia and V’s inspirational stories.
MEET LYDIA
Just after I finished university and was around 21, my periods started becoming gradually heavier. They ended up being really heavy for 5-7 days, and I needed to wear a tampon and a pad, and change every hour or so. I was on the pill so this shouldn’t have been happening, but whenever I spoke to the doctor about it, they never thought it was anything to worry about. It was very difficult to convey just how heavy it was and find the right words. My male GP told me it was probably stress-induced. I hadn't been stressed or mentioned stress and I now know this isn’t a thing! I really felt that being young and healthy looking meant they just didn’t take me seriously.
They started to take it more seriously when I became seriously anaemic and started visiting walk-in centres and A&E because I had felt so faint and tired, or had passed out. They found a lump which they said was a fibroid (which are non-cancerous). After waiting many months for surgery to remove it, after it was taken out I was diagnosed with a rare form of womb cancer called inflammatory myofibroblastoma.
A hysterectomy was mentioned from the outset, but I was desperate to try to keep my womb and fertility. We tried hormone treatment for a while, as my tumour was oestrogen dependent. This put me into a temporary menopause. But, my tumour kept growing and in the end I was told the only option was now a hysterectomy. I had my womb removed the day before my 25th birthday. Years later I am healthy and well but in the very long process of trying to start a family, with very limited options, and I struggle with the grief of it every day. If my cancer had been found earlier, I may have been able to avoid having a hysterectomy and I might have had children by now. I would advise anyone who has spotted something not normal for them to go and get checked without any delay. If you aren’t getting taken seriously or getting the tests you need, keep pushing and try a second opinion. Getting diagnosed early makes all the difference, so be your own best advocate.
MEET V
My Rare Cervical Cancer Diagnosis*
I'll never forget the day I received my cervical cancer diagnosis – it was the third day of lockdown, and I almost didn't attend my appointment as Covid-19 dominated everything. My journey began with debilitating period pain that persisted for years, with me self-diagnosing endometriosis. I eventually pushed my GP for further testing and waited for next steps. Despite clear cervical screening tests, I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a rare form of cervical cancer. Hearing the words "cancer" and "radical hysterectomy" in the same breath was a devastating blow. In that moment, my world felt like it was crumbling, consumed by the unknown and the fear that came with it.
Overcoming Barriers
My experience has highlighted the fears, taboos and stigmas surrounding cervical cancer that deter people from attending life-saving screenings. Marginalised communities face additional barriers, including judgement and shame in Black and Asian communities when discussing gynaecological health, feelings of discrimination among LGBTQ+ individuals, and low uptake of cervical screening among people with learning disabilities due to confusing or intimidating processes. Please don’t let those fears, taboos and stigmas take over and attend your cervical screening when requested.
My Message to Others: Listen to Your Body
I encourage others to listen to their bodies and speak up about health concerns, such as period pain and unusual symptoms. Trust your instincts – seek testing and second opinions if something feels off. Prioritising our health and advocating for ourselves is essential. By working together, we can break down barriers and create a culture where everyone feels empowered to take control of their health. Together we can end cervical cancer for good.
SUPPORT THE EVE APPEAL WITH BOUX AVENUE
JIf you’re looking to support The Eve Appeal, then from the 9th May until the 8th June, Boux Avenue is donating 10% of sales from their Ribbed Seamless Ditsy Floral Bralette in Pink Mix and the matching Ribbed Seamless Ditsy Floral Thong & Brief in Pink Mix,* to The Eve Appeal. And while you’re lounging in this cosy set, be sure to learn and understand the different signs and symptoms for Ovarian, Womb, Cervical, Vaginal and Vulva Cancers.
Don’t forget to check out all the amazing work and research The Eve Appeal are doing in helping to raise awareness, lets remove the taboo and stigma and start talking more about our gynaelogical health.
*Boux Avenue will donate 10% of sales of Ribbed Seamless Ditsy Floral Pink Bralette, Briefs and Thongs to The Eve Appeal - registered charity number 1091708 (England and Wales) and SC042612 (Scotland). Total donations are expected to be £800.00.
