Latest news with #GetLippy
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Actress Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone a double mastectomy after learning she carries the deadly BRCA1 gene and her mother's death from ovarian cancer
Kara Tointon has revealed that she's undergone a double mastectomy after learning that she carries the deadly BRCA1 gene. The EastEnders actress, 41, revealed that she's also had her fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure, having lost her mother to ovarian cancer in 2018. As an ambassador for the Eve appeal, a charity that raises awareness of gynaecological cancers, Kara opened up to her followers on social media about her journey that led to her discovery of the deadly gene. Speaking ahead of the charity's Get Lippy campaign to highlight the causes and symptoms of various gynae cancers, Kara revealed that after she losing her mother to ovarian cancer in 2018, she underwent genetic testing which revealed that she is predisposed to the disease. She said: 'You may have heard of the BRCA genes type 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means that I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newslette r to stay in the loop. 'Back in 2018 when my mum was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, I was asked to take a genetics test. 'There is a history of both cancers in my family but for various reasons including generational trauma of which I'll talk more about another time, we hadn't looked into it until that point. 'But it was put to us, we took the test and it was confirmed that my mum and I both carried the gene.' As a mother-of-two, Kara told how her family were her main consideration in her decision making. She said: 'I was pregnant with my first child at the time, knew I wanted more children if possible so over the next couple of years I was invited to various meetings by the NHS to really become informed and to understand all my options. 'Last year having had my second son in 2021 and deciding that our family was complete, I underwent two preventative surgeries. 'The first a double mastectomy and the second a two part protector study, a trial. They believe that ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes so by removing them first checking out you can remove the ovaries later.' The former Strictly winner revealed that after having several medical investigations, she decided that surgery was the best option. 'WEE are finding out more and more about personal genetics and most people believe in surveillance, but after doing this for a couple of years, having MRIs, waiting for biopsy, we decided that this was the right decision for me and my family,' she said. 'I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made and I can now with hindsight talk about it properly.' Kara is not the only woman in the public eye to talk openly about her procedure. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie also had a double mastectomy as well as having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, after she was found to have a 50 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer.' Kara has two sons Frey, 6 and Helly 4, with her Norwegian partner Marius Jenson, a chiropractor. The family divide their time between Britain and Norway where Kara's sister Hannah and her father still live. Signing off from social media, Kara paid tribute to the doctors and the Eve appeal charity and their support. She said: 'Id like to thank my surgeons Dr Adam Rosenthal and Dr Gerard Cuie, I can't thank them enough. 'I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
One in three ignore signs of deadly gynae cancers – the red flag symptoms of 5 killers you must check immediately
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALMOST one in three women have put off seeing their GP about worrying gynaecological symptoms that could be signs of cancer, a leading charity has warned. There are five cancers affecting gynaecological organs, causing symptoms like unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, lumps and pain during sex. 4 Women might put off getting gynaecological cancer symptoms checked out of embarrassment The Eve Appeal - a gynae cancer charity - warned that many women may ignore these red flag signs or delay seeing a doctor about them out of embarrassment. A survey of 1,070 women found that one in three had postponed seeing a GP about possible cancer symptoms. Nearly one in three respondents also said they would feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about gynaecological health issues. Another 25 per cent revealed they'd feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about such symptoms. Sixty per cent of the respondents said that seeing a female GP would help them feel more comfortable about getting gynaecological symptoms checked. Knowing their GP specialised in women's health (46 per cent) and previously having had a positive experience with their GP (40 per cent) would also prompt them to get symptoms checked more quickly, they said. Another one in four women said they'd feel more comfortable getting symptoms checked if they saw a GP they knew (24 per cent), and if the GP prompted them to open up by asking questions like 'Is there anything else bothering you?' (23 per cent). Dr Aziza Sesay, GP, said: 'As a GP, these statistics don't surprise me. "I've seen so many women who come in with one issue, and then once they feel more comfortable, they open up about something else they've been struggling with for a long time, usually in silence - often too embarrassed to mention it at first. "From symptoms of prolapse and urinary incontinence to bleeding after menopause and vulval swelling. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases "Sadly, in some cases, the delayed presentation has led to a cancer diagnosis at a later stage. "Destigmatising conversations around these symptoms and breaking the taboo can quite literally save lives.' Gynaecological cancers - which include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer - affect 22,050 women and people with ovaries each year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, this amounts to 60 people a day receiving a diagnosis, and sadly 22 of them will die from their cancer. 4 So picking up these cancers early and getting possible signs of them checked as soon as possible can make a real difference As it launches its annual Get Lippy campaign for May, The Eve Appeal is raising awareness around red flag symptoms of the five diseases. 1. Ovarian cancer Nearly 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer in women. It's most frequently diagnosed post-menopause, but it can affect anyone with ovaries at any stage of life. The five main ovarian cancer symptoms are: Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain Unexplained change in bowel habits Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous Needing to wee more regularly Sufferers may also experience back pain, fatigue, weight loss and pain during sex. 2. Womb cancer 4 Bleeding between periods can signal womb cancer Credit: Getty Womb cancer may also be referred to as uterine or endometrial cancer. It's also the fourth most common gynaecological cancer, with over 9,700 people diagnosed every year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, cases have increased by 12 per cent in the last decade. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of womb cancer, around nine out of 10 sufferers are diagnosed after their abnormal bleeding was investigated. This irregular bleeding might be: Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding between periods Bleeding that is unusually heavy Vaginal discharge that is blood-stained (pink, brown, red) 3. Vulval cancer Vulval cancer is rare, affecting around 1,350 people a year in the UK - mostly women over the age of 60. But younger women are also being diagnosed with the cancer, so they should know to look out for: A lasting itch on the external genitalia (vulva) Pain or soreness on the external genitalia Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the external genitalia An open sore or growth visible on the genital skin A mole on the external genitalia that changes shape or colour A lump or swelling on the external genitalia 4. Vaginal cancer 4 Persistent pelvic and internal pain can be a sign of vaginal cancer Credit: Getty Vaginal cancer is rarer, with 250 people diagnosed with it in the UK each year. Almost half (40 per cent) of cases are spotted in people over 75. The most common signs include: Abnormal bleeding, eg. between periods, after menopause Discharge with an unpleasant smell or blood stained Pain during penetrative sex An internal lump or growth that you or your doctor can feel An internal itch that won't go away and pain when urinating Persistent pelvic and internal pain 5. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which connects the womb and vagina - this is also sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. It can affect patients at any age, but the incidence is highest in women aged 30 to 34. Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year, but there are still around 3,250 new cases in the UK annually, The Eve Appeal warned. The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any at all until it's reached an advanced stage. But you might notice: Unusual bleeding, often after sex Pain and discomfort during sex Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge Previously offered only to girls, the HPV shot is now available to all 12- and 13-year-olds regardless of gender, and can provide a a vital defence against eight types of cancer - including cervical. Cervical cancer screening Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer. All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts. You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS Know your normal Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO, said: 'We know that health prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to cancer and that's a two-way street. "We need patients to feel informed and confident and we need doctors to support open conversations and dispel embarrassment. "Throughout May, we'll be highlighting this issue and providing tips and information which will stop women thinking 'it's probably nothing' and ignore possible symptoms and get them checked.' Shalisha James-Davis, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says: 'The fact that I am a young woman played a huge part in my delayed cancer diagnosis. "I know I still do not look like a cancer patient but that should not be a reason for my symptoms to not be taken seriously. "I now know what I need to look out for and what is not my normal and I'm hoping to encourage other young women to get to know their own bodies so that they can advocate for themselves. "Remembering that if something doesn't feel right, get it checked out.'
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
One in three ignore signs of deadly gynae cancers – the red flag symptoms of 5 killers you must check immediately
ALMOST one in three women have put off seeing their GP about worrying gynaecological symptoms that could be signs of cancer, a leading charity has warned. There are five cancers affecting gynaecological organs, causing symptoms like unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, lumps and pain during sex. 4 The Eve Appeal - a gynae cancer charity - warned that many women may ignore these red flag signs or delay seeing a doctor about them out of embarrassment. A survey of 1,070 women found that one in three had postponed seeing a GP about possible cancer symptoms. Nearly one in three respondents also said they would feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about gynaecological health issues. Another 25 per cent revealed they'd feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about such symptoms. Sixty per cent of the respondents said that seeing a female GP would help them feel more comfortable about getting gynaecological symptoms checked. Knowing their GP specialised in women's health (46 per cent) and previously having had a positive experience with their GP (40 per cent) would also prompt them to get symptoms checked more quickly, they said. Another one in four women said they'd feel more comfortable getting symptoms checked if they saw a GP they knew (24 per cent), and if the GP prompted them to open up by asking questions like 'Is there anything else bothering you?' (23 per cent). Dr Aziza Sesay, GP, said: 'As a GP, these statistics don't surprise me. "I've seen so many women who come in with one issue, and then once they feel more comfortable, they open up about something else they've been struggling with for a long time, usually in silence - often too embarrassed to mention it at first. "From symptoms of prolapse and urinary incontinence to bleeding after menopause and vulval swelling. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases "Sadly, in some cases, the delayed presentation has led to a cancer diagnosis at a later stage. "Destigmatising conversations around these symptoms and breaking the taboo can quite literally save lives.' Gynaecological cancers - which include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer - affect 22,050 women and people with ovaries each year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, this amounts to 60 people a day receiving a diagnosis, and sadly 22 of them will die from their cancer. So picking up these cancers early and getting possible signs of them checked as soon as possible can make a real difference As it launches its annual Get Lippy campaign for May, The Eve Appeal is raising awareness around red flag symptoms of the five diseases. 1. Ovarian cancer Nearly 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer in women. It's most frequently diagnosed post-menopause, but it can affect anyone with ovaries at any stage of life. The five main ovarian cancer symptoms are: Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain Unexplained change in bowel habits Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous Needing to wee more regularly Sufferers may also experience back pain, fatigue, weight loss and pain during sex. 2. Womb cancer Womb cancer may also be referred to as uterine or endometrial cancer. It's also the fourth most common gynaecological cancer, with over 9,700 people diagnosed every year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, cases have increased by 12 per cent in the last decade. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of womb cancer, around nine out of 10 sufferers are diagnosed after their abnormal bleeding was investigated. This irregular bleeding might be: Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding between periods Bleeding that is unusually heavy Vaginal discharge that is blood-stained (pink, brown, red) 3. Vulval cancer Vulval cancer is rare, affecting around 1,350 people a year in the UK - mostly women over the age of 60. But younger women are also being diagnosed with the cancer, so they should know to look out for: A lasting itch on the external genitalia (vulva) Pain or soreness on the external genitalia Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the external genitalia An open sore or growth visible on the genital skin A mole on the external genitalia that changes shape or colour A lump or swelling on the external genitalia 4. Vaginal cancer 4 Vaginal cancer is rarer, with 250 people diagnosed with it in the UK each year. Almost half (40 per cent) of cases are spotted in people over 75. The most common signs include: Abnormal bleeding, eg. between periods, after menopause Discharge with an unpleasant smell or blood stained Pain during penetrative sex An internal lump or growth that you or your doctor can feel An internal itch that won't go away and pain when urinating Persistent pelvic and internal pain 5. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which connects the womb and vagina - this is also sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. It can affect patients at any age, but the incidence is highest in women aged 30 to 34. Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year, but there are still around 3,250 new cases in the UK annually, The Eve Appeal warned. The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any at all until it's reached an advanced stage. But you might notice: Unusual bleeding, often after sex Pain and discomfort during sex Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge Previously offered only to girls, the HPV shot is now available to all 12- and 13-year-olds regardless of gender, and can provide a a vital defence against eight types of cancer - including cervical. Cervical cancer screening Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer. All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts. You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS Know your normal Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO, said: 'We know that health prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to cancer and that's a two-way street. "We need patients to feel informed and confident and we need doctors to support open conversations and dispel embarrassment. "Throughout May, we'll be highlighting this issue and providing tips and information which will stop women thinking 'it's probably nothing' and ignore possible symptoms and get them checked.' Shalisha James-Davis, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says: 'The fact that I am a young woman played a huge part in my delayed cancer diagnosis. "I know I still do not look like a cancer patient but that should not be a reason for my symptoms to not be taken seriously. "I now know what I need to look out for and what is not my normal and I'm hoping to encourage other young women to get to know their own bodies so that they can advocate for themselves.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
One in three ignore signs of deadly gynae cancers – the red flag symptoms of 5 killers you must check immediately
ALMOST one in three women have put off seeing their GP about worrying gynaecological symptoms that could be signs of cancer, a leading charity has warned. There are five cancers affecting gynaecological organs, causing symptoms like unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, lumps and pain during sex. Advertisement 4 Women might put off getting gynaecological cancer symptoms checked out of embarrassment A survey of 1,070 women found that one in three had postponed seeing a GP about possible cancer symptoms. Nearly one in three respondents also said they would feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about gynaecological health issues. Another 25 per cent revealed they'd feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about such symptoms. Advertisement Read more on cancer Sixty per cent of the respondents said that seeing a female GP would help them feel more comfortable about getting gynaecological symptoms checked. Knowing their GP specialised in women's health (46 per cent) and previously having had a positive experience with their GP (40 per cent) would also prompt them to get symptoms checked more quickly, they said. Another one in four women said they'd feel more comfortable getting symptoms checked if they saw a GP they knew (24 per cent), and if the GP prompted them to open up by asking questions like 'Is there anything else bothering you?' (23 per cent). Dr Aziza Sesay, GP, said: 'As a GP, these statistics don't surprise me. Advertisement Most read in Health "I've seen so many women who come in with one issue, and then once they feel more comfortable, they open up about something else they've been struggling with for a long time, usually in silence - often too embarrassed to mention it at first. "From symptoms of prolapse and Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases "Sadly, in some cases, the delayed presentation has led to a cancer diagnosis at a later stage. "Destigmatising conversations around these symptoms and breaking the taboo can quite literally save lives.' Advertisement Gynaecological cancers - which include According to The Eve Appeal, this amounts to 60 people a day receiving a diagnosis, and sadly 22 of them will die from their cancer. 4 So picking up these cancers early and getting possible signs of them checked as soon as possible can make a real difference Advertisement As it launches its annual Get Lippy campaign for May, The Eve Appeal is raising awareness around red flag symptoms of the five diseases. 1. Ovarian cancer Nearly 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer in women. It's most frequently diagnosed post-menopause, but it can affect anyone with ovaries at any stage of life. The five main ovarian cancer symptoms are: Advertisement Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) Persistent pelvic and Unexplained change in bowel habits Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous Needing to Sufferers may also experience back pain, fatigue, weight loss and pain during sex. 2. Womb cancer 4 Bleeding between periods can signal womb cancer Credit: Getty Womb cancer may also be referred to as uterine or endometrial cancer. It's also the fourth most common gynaecological cancer, with over 9,700 people diagnosed every year in the UK. Advertisement According to The Eve Appeal, cases have increased by 12 per cent in the last decade. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of womb cancer, around nine out of 10 sufferers are diagnosed after their This irregular bleeding might be: Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding between periods Bleeding that is unusually heavy Vaginal discharge that is blood-stained (pink, brown, red) 3. Vulval cancer Advertisement But younger women are also being diagnosed with the cancer, so they should know to look out for: A lasting itch on the external genitalia (vulva) Pain or soreness on the external genitalia Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the external genitalia An open sore or A mole on the external genitalia that changes shape or colour A lump or swelling on the external genitalia 4. Vaginal cancer 4 Persistent pelvic and internal pain can be a sign of vaginal cancer Credit: Getty Almost half (40 per cent) of cases are spotted in people over 75. Advertisement The most common signs include: Abnormal bleeding, eg. between periods, after menopause Discharge with an unpleasant smell or blood stained An internal lump or growth that you or your doctor can feel An internal itch that won't go away and pain when urinating Persistent pelvic and internal pain 5. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which connects the womb and vagina - this is also sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. It can affect patients at any age, but the incidence is highest in women aged 30 to 34. Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year, but there are still around 3,250 new cases in the UK annually, The Eve Appeal warned. Advertisement The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any at all until it's reached an advanced stage. But you might notice: Unusual bleeding, often after sex Pain and discomfort during sex Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge Previously offered only to girls, the HPV shot is now Cervical cancer screening Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS Know your normal Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO, said: 'We know that health prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to cancer and that's a two-way street. Advertisement "We need patients to feel informed and confident and we need doctors to support open conversations and dispel embarrassment. "Throughout May, we'll be highlighting this issue and providing tips and information which will stop women thinking 'it's probably nothing' and ignore possible symptoms and get them checked.' Shalisha James-Davis, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says: 'The fact that I am a young woman played a huge part in my delayed cancer diagnosis. "I know I still do not look like a cancer patient but that should not be a reason for my symptoms to not be taken seriously. Advertisement "I now know what I need to look out for and what is not my normal and I'm hoping to encourage other young women to get to know their own bodies so that they can advocate for themselves. "Remembering that if something doesn't feel right, get it checked out.'
