Members of the public can find out the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers at an upcoming health lecture at the Great Western Hospital.
Ms Amy Keightley, Lead Gynaelogical Oncology Consultant, will be leading the talk on Wednesday 14 February alongside specialist gynaecology nurse Beverly Breen and consultant Fani Toneva, as well as hearing a patient’s perspective of her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Awareness among men and women of the five types of gynaecological cancers is low and the talk will be dispelling myths on womb, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers.
The three healthcare professionals will explain what each cancer is, how they are diagnosed and treated and what symptoms women should look out for.
There will also be a chance for local residents to put their questions to the Trust’s leading consultant for gynaecology, as Ms Keightley leads a question-and-answer session at the end of the talk.
Ms Keightley said: “If we can catch this stuff early, it is treatable and people do have a good chance of beating it.
“We want people to be aware that with gynaecological issues, the earlier you come in to talk about a problem the more treatable it becomes.”
“People should never ignore something because it is embarrassing to talk about – if anyone has concerns they should go to see their GP straight away.
“We’re not as scary as people think we are.
“There are a lot of myths out there to break down. I want people to feel comfortable talking about their gynaecological problems. It’s normal to talk about bodily functions and what’s going on.”
The Gynaecological Cancers and the Not-So-Embarrassing Body lecture will run from 6pm until 8pm in the Academy at GWH and is free to attend.
For further information on signs, symptoms and treatments of gynaecological cancers, visit www.nhs.uk
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