It doesn’t surprise me that recent research from The Eve Appeal reveals that only 41% of women have heard of vulval cancer and nearly 8 in 10 women have never checked their vulva for signs of cancer. Only 4% of women regularly check for vulval changes – compared to 37% of women who regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer. This startling disparity shows just how much work is needed to bring gynaecological symptoms awareness and specifically vulval cancer into the conversation.
Vulval Cancer: What You Need to Know
Vulval cancer may be less well-known, but it’s not as rare as you might think. Over 1,400 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year, and rates increased by 18% in the UK between 1993-1995 and 2017-2019. While it’s most common in women over 60, it can affect anyone with a vulva at any age, and since the 1990s 67% more 25-49 year olds were diagnosed with it and 101% more 50-59 year olds.
So, what should you be looking out for? The symptoms include:
- A persistent itch
- Pain or soreness
- Thickened, raised, red, lighter or darker patches on the vulval skin
- A new mole or a mole that is changing shape or colour
- An open sore or growth
- A lump or swelling
- A rash
- Anything that is not normal for you.
Everyone’s vulva is unique- the shape, size, texture and scent, which is why it’s crucial to understand what’s normal for you. This way, any changes—no matter how small—are easier to detect, potentially catching cancer early when it’s more treatable.
Breaking the Silence
As a charity focused on prevention, Eve wants to make checking for vulval changes as normal as checking for signs of other cancers. From our calls to Ask Eve we know all too well that vulval cancer is a tough diagnosis, often with life-changing consequences. Self-checking could make all the difference. Jane, who has been diagnosed with vulval cancer, was bothered by symptoms for years but had no idea that it could be cancer. She’d be applying creams to manage her lichen planus but had never examined herself. She now encourages her three daughters and all her friends to be aware and self-check and sends them a reminder each month to do so.
Take Action: Start Your Self-Check Routine Today
Because September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, we are launching the ‘Self-check First’ text reminder service. A monthly text reminder to check your vulva for any changes and a ‘how-to’ guide to support you in your self-checking journey.
Don’t wait—make vulval self-checks part of your routine, just like breast checks. By doing so, you empower yourself to take control of your health. Early detection can make all the difference.
Sign up for the text reminder service and join the movement to make vulval cancer awareness as common as breast cancer awareness.
How do I check my vulva?
We encourage women and people with gynae organs to check their vulva once a month, it is so important to know your normal. Here are our 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 the perineum
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. There are other non-cancerous conditions that can cause some of these symptoms, it is important these are also diagnosed early so they can be treated.
If you’re worried about any changes to your vulva, or other gynae health symptoms, get in touch with us at Ask Eve, we are here to give free and confidential information. Get in touch on nurse@eveappeal.org.uk, 0808 802 0019 or by filling in the online form.