+34
'The care I received enabled me to not only survive, but thrive'
"The care I received enabled me to not only survive, but thrive"Well, as it turns out, a lot of people aren’t. The main gynaecological cancers are vulva, vaginal, cervical, uterine and ovarian – and although a lot of people are well aware of the symptoms associated with cervical and ovarian cancer, the same cannot said for the others.
Sharon O’Toole of Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute and Coordinator of Irish Network of Gynaecological Oncology says that there is more awareness for the likes of cervical cancer, because of the screening and vaccination programmes.
“However, we do know that 19% of women believe that CervicalCheck screening covers all gynaecological cancers so this is really something we want to address,” she says. “There is no screening program for vaginal, vulval, uterine or ovarian cancer. We have been working hard within the) to create awareness of ovarian cancer as over 70% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages so it is encouraging to see that women are familiar with ovarian cancer.
“However our research shows that only 29% would feel confident to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer so there is still a lot of work to be done to improve this. ”What’s more is only 37% of women have heard of vulva cancer, a number that Sharon says is “surprisingly low. The symptoms can sometimes mimic other conditions such as thrush but if itching or soreness persists then you do need to get it checked by the GP.
“We are encouraging women to be aware of the five gynaecological cancers not to be embarrassed to discuss any changes with your doctor. ”ancers can cause different symptoms, including:Bleeding between periods or during or after sexPelvic or abdominal painChanges in bowel or bladder habits It’s important to talk to your GP if you notice any of the above changes, many of which are often mistaken for other conditions like thrush and bacterial vaginosis.
Mairead McMahon, a vulva cancer patient says: “I would like to urge all women, no matter what age or stage of life, to find out what the symptoms are. Don’t ignore any changes to the vulva.
“Please see your GP as soon as possible – you will never regret it. The care I received enabled me to not only survive, but thrive. I resumed my career and went on to hold my little granddaughter in my arms. ” It can sometimes be difficult to advocate for yourself in a medical setting, when women are so often told that the things wrong with their bodies are “normal.
” Sharon says that being aware of the symptoms of these cancers can empower women to speak to their GPs when they know that something is wrong. , which can be a useful tool when discussing your health with a professional.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Carla Ward gives Heimir Hallgrímsson her ‘full support always’Ireland women prepare for two-legged Kazakhstan tie
Read more »
Irish Women in Business Awards Celebrate Female Leaders Across SectorsThe 2024 Irish Women in Business Awards honored standout female entrepreneurs in fashion, technology, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, film, PR, and disability advocacy, showcasing their influence and inviting wider recognition through VIP Magazine.
Read more »
Irish Entrepreneur Awards Celebrate Leading Women in BusinessThe awards recognize accomplished female entrepreneurs across Ireland's fashion, technology, beauty, lifestyle and wellness sectors. This year's featured founders include the creators of Bánór, SKN TO SKN and Nunaïa, whose brands draw on farming heritage, pregnancy-focused skincare and nature-inspired wellness.
Read more »
Budget 2027: I don’t know what a tax band is ...How will changes in income tax bands, USC and credits affect you?
Read more »