Our guest this week is Clare Baumhauer she is a vulval cancer survivor who is campaigning for better awareness of Lichen Sclerosus and vulval cancer for GP’s, health care professionals and for women.Clare went undiagnosed for 38 years, noticing the first symptoms of lichen sclerosis at just 5 years old. She has 2 children and attended regular smear tests, and went to her GP with constant issues with her vulva, it was never diagnosed. We ask what lichen sclerosis is and learn that if left unchecked it can lead to Vulval Cancer.We discuss signs and symptoms of vulval cancer and how to check your vulva, why it is important to get to know your vulva so you can identify changes in skin colour, notice lesions, thickened areas of skin and irregularities including a persistent itch, tenderness or burning pain when passing urine. Find out how Clare was diagnosed, the treatment she underwent and from having cancer treatment she then went into surgical menopause, which, once again, was never explained to her.The month of September is also Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and Clare talks us through all five- Do you know what they are?For the full interview catch it on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFgmHLcdx28eco-XlkWYwUAIf you have any concerns please visit your GP. You can get further information on Clare’s Instagram:@vulvalcancerukawareness@lichensclerosusuk The Eve appeal https://eveappeal.org.uk/gynaecological-cancers/vulvar-cancer/. Lichen Schlerosis & Vulval cancer awareness - https://www.lsvcukawareness.co.uk/ We have The Collective’s fantastic comments and there’s a lovely story about Queen Elizabeth’s wicked sense of humour. There’s a short quiz from Refuge Charity and you may be very surprised at the answers. We also talk cars and knobs!We have a new book announcement for the Book Collective and find out how we did with this week’s WI.There’s all the usual shenanigans so pull up a comfy chair and get the kettle on. If you have enjoyed our podcast please leave us a review, this is a huge help to us.Our campaign for Menopause Clinic in Devonour petition: https://www.change.org/p/wheresmyclinicOr to send your testimonials please email us: [email protected] finally, if you would like the templates to send to your MP or CCG please visit our website: https://menopauseclinicfordevon.co.ukThere is also a survey to complete about menopause care in your area, it takes 1 minute and we would really appreciate your in-put: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GNBBRXD--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/womenkindcollectivepodcast/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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