September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, which sees charities joining together to put the spotlight on the range of cancers that start in the female reproductive system. There are five main types of gynaecological cancer – cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulvar and uterine (or womb) – plus fallopian tube cancer, although this is very rare. Around 22,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer each year in the UK, of which 21 die every day, according to charity The Eve Appeal. However, some of these cases are preventable, and with the right treatment, many gynaecological cancers have high survival rates. Here, experts answer some key questions about the prevention and treatment of gynaecological cancers. What are the symptoms of gynaecological cancers? “The symptoms of gynaecological cancers can vary,” says gynaecologist Oudai Ali from New Victoria Hospital. “But some common signs to watch out for include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, unusual vaginal discharge, new vulval lump or ulcer and changes in urinary or bowel habits.” If you’ve noticed any of these signs, follow the ‘if in doubt, check it out’ rule, Ali says: “It’s crucial for patients to consult their GP if they experience any of these symptoms, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.” Severe ongoing bloating and feeling full very quickly, unintentional weight loss and fatigue are also indications it’s a good idea to get things checked out. Are regular screenings important for gynaecological health? Routine screening programmes are not available for all types of gynaecological cancer. However, where they are available – such as cervical smear tests – attending screenings can be life-saving. “Regular screenings, such as smear tests and HPV (human papillomavirus) tests, are vital for the early detection of cervical cancer and can prevent it at its pre-cancer stage,” says Ali. “Additionally, it’s important for individuals to discuss family history and risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine which screenings are appropriate.” Research shows that cervical cancer risks are higher for people who don’t attend screenings. “Cervical cancer risk is estimated to be 1.7% among women in the UK who don’t attend screenings,” says Mr Andrew Pooley, consultant gynaecologist at New Victoria Hospital. “Other risk factors are related to a higher exposure to HPV, the use of the contraceptive pill for over 10 years, or a weak immune system.” Ali adds: “The age to start screening can vary depending on the type of cancer and a patient’s individual risk factors. Pap smears typically start around age 25.” For cancers where there isn’t a national screening programme, your GP can refer you for blood tests and scans if you are concerned about symptoms. Can gynaecological cancers be prevented? While not all gynaecological cancers can be prevented, there are steps you can take that in some cases may help reduce your risk. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco, can help,” Ali says. “The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing certain gynaecological cancers. It protects against several strains of HPV that can lead to cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It’s recommended for both boys and girls, ideally before they become sexually active, to provide the greatest protection.” Some gynaecological cancers can have a hereditary component, too. “A family history of bowel, breast or ovarian cancer may increase the risk,” Ali explains, which is why it’s important to discuss family medical history at screenings. “They can assess the risk accurately and recommend appropriate screenings or genetic testing if necessary.” This said, anyone can potentially get cancer, so getting any symptoms checked as soon as possible is always key. What are the available treatment options for gynaecological cancers? Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage (from one to four) of cancer. “They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments,” says Ali. “The choice of treatment is personalised to each patient’s specific diagnosis and medical history.” Survival rates for the main five gynaecological cancers when diagnosed at stage one range from 75%-95% according to Cancer Research, which further highlights the importance of early detection. New Victoria Hospital has launched its Community Champion Campaign, which will offer free scans and treatment to people across the UK for the sum of £125,000. To apply visit: newvictoria.co.uk/communitychampioninitiative. 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Mikel Arteta defended his decision to play Bukayo Saka as the Arsenal winger limped out of their Champions League defeat to Lens. The Gunners had taken the lead through Gabriel Jesus but Adrien Thomasson levelled following a David Raya error before Saka hobbled out of the game. Lens would go on to win 2-1 courtesy of a second-half strike from Elye Wahi but it was the injury to Saka that will have concerned Arteta more. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City visit the Emirates Stadium in five days and Saka’s involvement is now in doubt with the England forward having been forced off in the last three games. Asked if he regretted picking Saka following his issues against both Tottenham and Bournemouth, Arteta replied: “No. It was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine. It was a back-heel, an action that can produce that kind of injury. “Let’s see what the extent of it is and afterwards it’s too late. The last few were more knocks than anything else. “He hasn’t really missed games. We gave him a break against Brentford (in the Carabao Cup) last week and that was all. “He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on so we had to take him off. “We don’t know anything more. It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that’s a worry for us. “He was really looking forward to playing like every player. It was a big Champions League night. I painted a picture and the type of scenario we were going to face today and they all knew about it. “But this Champions League is so difficult to win away from home. Today we take a big lesson.” The defeat ended a forgettable 24 hours for Arsenal after bad weather grounded Arteta and his players at Luton airport for five hours on Monday as their journey to France was delayed. Now their hopes of avoiding a bumpy ride in qualifying for the knockout stages have also suffered a setback after a turbulent night at a rocking Stade Bollaert-Delelis. “No, let’s not put excuses,” Arteta said when asked if the preparations for the game had impacted on a poor team performance. “First of all, congratulations to Lens. They are a really good side. Really well coached. We knew it was going to be a really tough match. “In the boxes we had four or five chances we didn’t put away and we didn’t defend the boxes well enough. “It’s true there were moments in the second half we struggled to be more threatening in the final third and find spaces. “They defended with those numbers really good. That’s something to take for the next game.” Lens had started the season slowly but won their two Ligue 1 games leading into a first Champions League home game in 21 years and defender Kevin Danso was delighted with the outcome. “We gave it our all today in front of our own fans,” he said. “It was a difficult game, Arsenal had a lot of quality and made us sit back really deep, but we kept defending and kept our concentration. Luckily we won the game. “At home we know how strong we are, in front of our fans. That’s what we always try to do: win at home. I’m a bit gutted about the clean sheet, but we’ll take the three points definitely.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jude Bellingham helps Real Madrid to victory and Bayern Munich hit back to win Danny Care: England taking inspiration from Europe’s Ryder Cup win at World Cup Kieran Trippier aims to ruin Kylian Mbappe’s Newcastle trip even if son is upset

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An Indiana man was jailed for 110 years for gunning down his ex-girlfriend and her grandmother in front of each other in a parking lot. Gary Cecil Ferrell II, 28, will spend the rest of his life in a state correctional facility for the murders of 21-year-old Promise Mays and 62-year-old Pamela Sledd. Prosecutors say that the August 2021 killings were captured by security cameras at an automotive seating factory in Frankfort. Clinton Superior Court Judge Justin Hunter wrote in his sentencing order that the crime had been “brutal and heinous” and it was appalling that the victims had “watched the other being shot.” “With respect to the murder he inflicted upon Pamela Sledd, defendant shot Ms Sledd after she had turned her back and was retreating from the scene of the offense she had witnessed against her granddaughter,” he wrote in the document, reported WISH-TV. “[Ferrell] acted out an entitlement to control and possess Promise Mays, whether in life or in death, even though she had demonstrated only kindness for the many people whom she encountered in her short and precious life.” Both women were killed with a semiautomatic handgun as they had arrived for their work shift at the NHK factory. Police quickly identified Ferrell as the suspect and eventually caught him after he crashed his vehicle in a construction zone. Ferrell was sentenced to serve 45 to 65 years for each count of murder, running consecutively. He must serve at least 80 years before he is eligible for release. Read More Police officer jailed for one year for stomping on handcuffed man’s face during arrest Boy, 5, accidentally kills himself after caretaker with gun falls asleep Prosecutor asks Indiana State Police to investigate dog deaths in uncooled rear of truck

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