When we talk about cancer awareness and the importance of self-checking, we often think of breast cancer. And rightly so—most women and people with gynae organs in the UK are familiar with the importance of checking their breasts or chest regularly for lumps or changes. But how many of us can honestly say we do the same when it comes to our vulva? I certainly speak to many women who contact Ask Eve that had never heard of the vulva before they were diagnosed with vulval 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. 

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: 

1. Wash your hands
2. Sit comfortably, with a mirror, in a well-lit room or use a torch 
3. Place the mirror between your legs 
4. Start on the outside and look and feel for any pain, soreness, lumps, rashes or changes to your skin. 
5. Open the labia, look and feel for any pain, soreness, lumps, rashes or changes to your skin. 
6. Check around the opening to your vagina and the perineum