Gynaecological charity launches self-check reminder service

• Only 41% of women have heard of vulval cancer 
• 79% of women have never checked for the signs of vulval cancer
• Only 4% of women regularly check for vulval changes – compared to 37% of women who regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer
• Charity launches ‘Self-Check First’, a monthly text reminder to check the vulva for any changes, along with a ‘how-to’ guide to support self-checking of gynaecological symptoms.

A new survey (YouGov) from leading gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month shows that that only 4 in every 100 women regularly (at least once a month) check their vulva for symptoms of vulval cancer - compared to 37 in every 100 who have regularly (at least once a month) checked their breasts. 79% of women had never checked their vulva for changes or signs of cancer, and amongst those who have heard of vulval cancer before, almost half (48%) have never checked.  

There are over 1,400 cases of vulval cancer diagnosed in the UK each year, that’s around four women getting this life-changing diagnosis every day. It is most common after the age of 60, but can be diagnosed at any age and is on the rise in younger women. Since the early 1990s incidence of vulval cancer in 25–49 year-olds has increased by 67%, and in 50-59 year olds it has increased by 101%.

Yet less than 1 in 3 UK adults have heard of vulval cancer. This type of cancer affects the vulva, or external female genitalia, which includes the soft tissue (lips) surrounding the vagina (labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris, and the Bartholin’s glands, two small glands each side of the vagina that secrete fluid to enhance lubrication.

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.

Everyone’s vulva looks, feels and smells different. To identify symptoms of vulval cancer, it’s important for women and people with gynae organs to get to know what is normal for them. That way, it’s easier to spot if any changes occur that could be a symptom. Any changes need to be checked by a doctor or referred to a specialist. The earlier vulval cancer is found, the easier it is to treat and the more likely someone is to have a better outcome.

The Eve Appeal are encouraging everyone to check their vulva monthly, with a mirror and a light if needed. For Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month this September, they have launched ‘Self-Check First’, a monthly text reminder for you to check your vulva for any changes, along with a ‘how-to’ guide to support you in your gynaecological self-checking journey. Sign up at: https://eveappeal.org.uk/monthly-text-reminder

Dr Amir Khan, GP and media doctor: 

‘I see patients who have been bothered by discomfort for years but have never thought to have it checked out by their GP because they are totally unaware that vulval cancer is something they might be at risk of. They just have no idea that it exists! Getting as many women as possible to be aware of any changes to their bodies, not be embarrassed about the signs of vulval cancer, and when to get checked by a doctor, is so important and potentially life-saving.’

Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO:

‘As a charity focused on prevention, we want to make checking for vulval changes as normal as checking for signs of other cancers. Vulval cancer is a tough diagnosis, often with life-changing consequences. Early diagnosis and, wherever possible, prevention is key.’

Jane Joy, vulval cancer advocate: 

‘I’d suffered with a vulval skin condition for years but had never looked at my vulva despite religiously applying cream as instructed. I wish I’d had the knowledge to self-check earlier and been aware that my gynae history of early menopause and the skin condition lichen planus, meant I had a higher risk of developing vulval cancer. Self-checking could have resulted in a different outcome for me. I have three daughters and remind them to check regularly, so they know what’s normal and when to be seen by a doctor when things aren’t.”