Check you: signs in your body to look out for

8-minute read

There are more than 186,000 new cancer cases every year among UK females. That means that 522 women a day on average sit their families down to break the frightening news about their diagnosis.

And on Tuesday 4^th February, they will be doing it on World Cancer Day. It may feel ironic to those families that this event is designed to raise awareness about the disease which is arguably the most famous and most feared of all, when their awareness of it has been brought suddenly into sharp focus.

Yet with greater awareness of signs and symptoms, cancer can be detected early, and therefore outcomes can be improved through early treatment for the people who are diagnosed.

Some of the families who receive the news on World Cancer Day, and every other day, will be fortunate, if the disease was detected early enough to improve their chance of survival. Others will face a different outlook, if they found out when the disease was at an advanced stage.

Early intervention has contributed to the fact that survival is improving and has doubled in the last 50 years – half of the people diagnosed in England and Wales now survive for ten years or more.

What you can do

1. Know the symptoms: Take a few minutes today to understand the symptoms of these cancers (see below) and seek medical advice if something seems unusual.
2. Attend screenings: Cervical screenings and breast mammograms offered by the NHS can detect early changes, improving treatment outcomes.
3. Advocate for awareness: Share information with friends and family, ensuring that more women know the importance of early detection.

Signs to look for

Breast Cancer

As the most common cancer in the UK, breast cancer affects more than 55,000 women annually. While advances in screening and treatment have improved survival rates, early detection through regular self-checks is key.

Don’t ignore these potential signs:

• A lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm: This is usually painless and may feel different from the surrounding tissue.
• Changes in breast size or shape: One breast may appear noticeably different from the other.
• Skin changes: Redness, dimpling, or puckering of the breast skin, resembling the texture of an orange peel.
• Nipple changes: Inversion, discharge (sometimes blood-stained), or pain in the nipple area.
• Unexplained pain: Persistent pain in the breast or armpit, not linked to the menstrual cycle.

Ovarian Cancer

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer is harder to detect, with symptoms such as bloating and pelvic pain frequently overlooked.

Don’t ignore these potential signs:

• Fatigue or unexplained weight changes: Ongoing abdominal swelling.
• Pelvic or abdominal bloating or pain: Discomfort, pressure, or swelling in the lower abdomen.
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly: Changes in appetite without an obvious cause.
• Urinary changes: Increased urgency or frequency of urination.

Cervical Cancer

Thanks to the NHS cervical screening programme, the incidence of this kind of cancer has declined. Still, more than 3,000 cases are diagnosed each year.

Don’t ignore these potential signs:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Such as bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
• Unusual vaginal discharge: Watery, bloody, or with a foul odour.
• Pelvic pain: Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes during intercourse.
• Pain during intercourse: Known as dyspareunia, which could indicate cervical changes.

Support for those affected

Sudden menopause is one under-discussed side-effect of gynaecological or breast cancer treatments for women, especially the vaginal dryness which comes with it. This condition can cause general discomfort and pain during intimacy, which can lead to strain within relationships.

Hyalofemme, as a hormone-free vaginal moisturiser, can offer effective relief for women living with a diagnosis of cancer by addressing these symptoms in a safe, non-invasive way. Here’s how:

Hydration without hormones

Many cancer survivors, particularly those with hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or ovarian cancer, are advised not to use hormone-based treatments to address vaginal dryness. Hyalofemme is hormone-free and uses hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration. It’s the ONLY vaginal moisturiser which has been PROVEN to work, and to be safe, in clinical trials with cancer patients.

Restores vaginal comfort

Hyalofemme adheres to the vaginal walls so that it lasts up to three days, steadily delivering as much moisture to the cells as they require.  The unique, patented form of hyaluronic acid, which is designed to be ideal for the slightly acidic vaginal environment, not only soothes irritation but also aids in tissue repair. This is particularly beneficial if you’re experiencing discomfort caused by thinning and inflammation of the vaginal tissue, a common side effect of cancer treatments, or small tears in the vaginal tissue which are caused by friction when dry vaginal walls rub together.

Non-irritating formula

Doctors also warn against using certain chemicals and fragrances when you’ve had cancer. Hyalofemme is free from parabens, perfumes, and irritants, making it gentle enough for use even by those with heightened sensitivity.

Enhances quality of life

By addressing vaginal dryness and the discomfort that can come with is, Hyalofemme allows you to regain confidence as you go about your daily life, especially if you have an intimate relationship. Improved physical comfort can also reduce emotional stress and improve mental well-being.

Supports post-treatment recovery

When you’re undergoing treatment or when you’re in remission, maintaining or restoring normalcy is crucial for your emotional well-being and recovery. Hyalofemme’s reparative properties support the recovery of vaginal tissue, helping you move forward with your life more comfortably.

When to Consider Using Hyalofemme

Hyalofemme is ideal if you are experiencing:

• Vaginal dryness as a side effect of cancer treatments.
• Pain or discomfort during daily activities or intimacy.
• Sensitivity to hormonal or synthetic treatments for dryness.

Consultation Is key

Hyalofemme is safe and widely available. You should however consult your healthcare provider before using it to ensure it is suitable for your specific circumstances.

By offering a safe, effective solution to vaginal dryness, Hyalofemme can play a valuable role in improving the quality of life.

On World Cancer Day, let’s prioritise education, encourage routine health checks, and work towards a future where these cancers no longer claim lives unnecessarily. Together, we can make a difference

you or someone you know is navigating a cancer diagnosis, there are some wonderful organisations which offer comfort, community, and practical help during challenging times.

Help is here

Breast cancer support

• Breast Cancer Now– breastcancernow.org Offers support groups, an online community, a helpline, and the “Someone Like Me” peer support programme. Also has a series of excellent booklets which explain different aspects of cancer diagnosis and care.
• Coppafeel!– coppafeel.org Focuses on breast cancer awareness and early detection for younger women.
• Future Dreams– futuredreams.org.uk Provides emotional and practical support for those affected by breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer support

• Ovacome– ovacome.org.uk A UK-wide ovarian cancer support network with a helpline, online community, and regional groups.
• Target Ovarian Cancer– targetovariancancer.org.uk Offers information, a nurse-led support line, and an online community for women with ovarian cancer.

Cervical cancer support

• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – www.jostrust.org.uk The UK’s leading cervical cancer charity offering an online forum, support groups, and a helpline.

General gynecological cancer support

• The Eve Appeal– eveappeal.org.uk Focuses on raising awareness and providing support for all gynecological cancers, including womb, ovarian, and cervical cancers.
• Peaches Womb Cancer Trust– peachestrust.org Support network for women diagnosed with womb (endometrial) cancer.
• GO Girls– gogirlssupport.org Provides emotional support and advocacy for women with gynecological cancers.

Online & emotional support

• Shine Cancer Support – www.shinecancersupport.org Supports young adults (20s, 30s, and 40s) with cancer, including a specific network for women.
• Maggie’s Centres – www.maggies.org Provides free in-person and online support for all cancer types, with a focus on emotional wellbeing.
• Macmillan Online Community – Women’s Cancers Group – https://community.macmillan.org.uk/ A dedicated online forum for women with gynecological cancers.

Sources

• NHS Breast Cancer Information: Detailed guidance on breast cancer, including symptoms, screening, and treatment options.
  Visit NHS Breast Cancer
• Cancer Research UK: Cancer statistics
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness – Target Ovarian Cancer: Comprehensive resources on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and support.
  Visit Target Ovarian Cancer
• NHS Cervical Screening Programme: Information about cervical cancer prevention through screening and HPV vaccination.
  Learn More About NHS Cervical Screening
• Cancer Research UK: Statistics and information about cancers affecting women, including uterine cancer.
  Visit Cancer Research UK
• Macmillan Cancer Support: Support and advice for individuals living with cancer, including emotional and financial assistance.
  Visit Macmillan Cancer Support
• British Menopause Society (BMS): Expert advice on non-hormonal treatments for vaginal atrophy and dryness, often recommended for cancer survivors.
  Visit British Menopause Society
• NHS – Managing Vaginal Dryness: Guidance from the NHS on managing vaginal dryness, including hormone-free options like Hyalofemme.
  Visit NHS Vaginal Dryness Guide