HOW TO CHECK YOURSELF

HAVE A SMEAR TEST

‘Cervical screening saves lives,’ says gynae nurse Tracie. It’s offered every three years to women aged 25 to 50, and every five years up to age 64, but 28% don’t get tested. Women often fear it will be painful: ‘Try a vaginal moisturiser,’ suggests Tracie. ‘Tell the nurse or doctor you find it uncomfortable and request a virgin speculum.’ You can also ask about using HRT oestrogen pessaries. ‘They’re very safe, as systemic absorption is minimal,’ she adds.

WHAT’S YOUR NORMAL?

That means getting to know the bits you can’t see with just a little effort and a mirror! ‘Just as everyone’s nose is different, so is every other bit of us,’ says Tracie, who often talks to women’s groups. ‘You know what your skin everywhere else looks like, so get a mirror and sit on the bed to see what your vulval skin looks like. You only need to do it a couple of times, then if you get an itch or a mole, you’ll be aware that it’s new.’

GET BLEEDING CHECKED!

‘We normalise everything because we’ve been bleeding all our lives, but any bleeding or discharge post-menopause needs checking,’ says Tracie, adding that it doesn’t have to be a ‘Snow White moment (bright red blood on a snow-white gusset). It can be sludgy brown, which we remember from pre and post periods.’ It’s most likely to be something treatable but if you’re worried and your GP can’t explain what it is, just keep going back, she advises.

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

If you have close relatives on your side of the family who developed either breast or ovarian cancer at a younger age – that is, a first-degree relative (mother or sister) under 40 or two first-degree relatives at any age – talk to your GP about whether you should be referred to a clinical geneticist. If you carry the genes BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53, it does increase the risk but does not mean you will definitely get breast cancer.