September 2016 is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month organised by charity The Eve Appeal, who fund research into Gynaecological Cancer.
What is the Purpose of Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month?
Put simply, to raise awareness and get women talking. The purpose is to remove the taboo and stigma that stops women from talking to friends, family and doctors about gynaecological health.
Despite enormous progress in medicine and research over the last 30 years, each year there are 20,000 new cases of gynaecological cancer diagnosed in the UK, and sadly there are 7,600 related deaths. That’s far too many mothers, daughters, partners or friends to lose to the disease.
Many of these deaths could be prevented through early diagnosis and early treatment. The key thing is to recognise symptoms early.
What are the Different Types of Cancer & What are the Symptoms?
The Eve Appeal have produced this helpful chart of the different types of Gynaecological Cancer and the different types of symptoms. BUT! Everyone is different and if you have any concerns at all, visit your GP!
How to prevent Gynaecological Cancer & What to Do if You are Concerned About Symptoms:
Dr Jonathan Moore, an independent, practising GP expert says:
The obvious first step for women to prevent Gynaecological Cancers is to keep up to date with screening, particularly cervical screening, which remains one of the most effective means of picking up cancers early and at a treatable stage. If women stick to the programme, their risk of coming to harm from the cancer is very low; indeed the majority of cases are in patients who have not been screened.
The key thing, if you are worried about symptoms, is do not delay. Talk to your GP. Early Diagnosis = Early Treatment.
Your GP can refer you for further investigation.
What if I Have Symptoms, but I Haven’t Had a Referral & I’m Still Worried?
Ask your GP directly. If you still can’t get a referral, you can always ask to see an alternative Doctor.
A new factor which is both incredibly important and highly topical, is the publication of the much anticipated and updated NICE Suspected Cancer Guidelines 2015 which were published in June 2015. These are a considerable improvement on the 2005 guidelines and are very much more user friendly for patients.
Dr Moore says:
The updated guidelines are easy to interpret and list what signs and symptoms may be important. You can look up these symptoms and take your concerns directly to your Doctor.
At the very least, Patients can ask their Doctor to refer any symptoms that they are concerned about, directly to these Guidelines and request they act accordingly. Giving Patients the empowerment to know about these Guidelines and directly asking doctors to apply them to their individual presentations is likely to be very powerful (and indeed protective) and ensures both sides feel that their care complies with the gold standard.
Raising awareness of these NICE guidelines to patients and ensuring that both patients and doctors try to see that they are properly and appropriately followed is likely to have the largest and most positive impact in improving cancer care and reducing delayed diagnosis.
This is probably the most useful single aspect which can improve cancer diagnosis in the UK.
Overall, remember that Early Diagnosis = Early Treatment. Open up and talk about any symptoms you have and speak to your GP as soon as possible.
If you want more information about Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month 2016 or want to learn more about the work of The Eve Appeal, visit their website www.eveappeal.org.uk
If you want to learn more about the NICE Suspected Cancer Guidelines 2015 in relation to Gynaecological Cancers, visit their website and print a copy www.nice.org.uk/guidance
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