British Medical Association Complete Family Health Guide. Medical Editor, Tony Smith


In these blogs I like to try to bring you bits of information that might not normally come to your attention. Thus, when I had a scare recently I hurried to one of my favourite books:-
'British Medical Association Complete Family Health Guide'

Although doctors never seem to like being questioned based on this book or my internet research,I believe it allows me to write down better questions for when I go to see a doctor about any medical condition. That is what I think makes the doctors uncomfortable - questions they are not expecting and cannot necessarily answer easily.

Anyway I had never thought about getting cancer in the vagina nor in the vulva - have you? It appears to be rare and more likely to affect women over 60 who may have had an active sex life and unprotected sex - who new back in the 'swinging' 60's? Smoking also is a risk factor the book says.

This is a brief quote from the BMA Guide which I trust they won't mind since the objective is education:-

"Cancer of the vulva may cause vulval itching, but often the first symptom is a hard lump or ulcer on the vulva. If the ulcer is not treated, it may produce an offensive, bloody discharge. Cancer of the vagina often causes no symptoms until the tumour is at an advanced stage, although bleeding and pain may occur after sexual intercourse." It goes on to talk about the importance of early detection.

My conclusion is that if any of the above seems to fit a description of you please do your own research and get to the doctor quickly.

I used to worry about having breast cancer and a breast removed. The thought of surgery 'down there' is even more harrowing - better than being dead though!

Please share this information with all the women you know. Maybe it will save a life.