Vulval cancer awareness needed

The vulvae are the female external genitalia. Vulval cancer is quite rare with an incidence of 1 in 100,000 women. However, it is easily treatable if recognised early. The later it is recognised the higher the chances that a woman’s genitals will have to be removed or that the disease will be fatal.

A Perth woman is speaking out about her experiences with vulval cancer in the hope that the public will become more aware of this disease, so they can recognise the symptoms and be treated early.Kath woke up one morning and found a lump next to her clitoris. She went to 2 GPs and 2 gynaecologists over the next 18 months and was told by all of them that the lump was of no concern, but that if it bothered her during intercourse, she could have it removed. She decided to have the lump removed and was told 3 days after the operation that the lump had been cancerous and she needed to seek treatment. Kath had her clitoris, vulva and lymph glands removed and 6 weeks of radiation oncology. Vulval cancer severely affected Kath’s quality of life but she is still alive and well. Ten years on she is promoting awareness of the disease through her community awareness organization, GAIN (the Gynaecological Awareness Information Network – www. gynsupport.com).National Gynaecological Day 2004 is 10th September. To celebrate the event, Jenny Davis (Director of The Vagina Monologues – Perth will be the MC of the ‘Great Gynae Debate’ taking place in Subiaco, Perth on the 9th September. It is hoped the event will help raise the profile and awareness of this disease.