In August, celebrated as Women’s Month in South Africa, women are urged anew to seek medical advice if they notice persistent itching, pain or unusual changes affecting the external genital area, as health experts warn that embarrassment continues to delay the diagnosis of serious conditions such as vulval cancer.
CANSA encourages women to become familiar with what is normal for their bodies and to speak openly about intimate health concerns.
South African research shows vulval cancer is becoming more common. An analysis of National Cancer Registry data found that the incidence of the disease increased by an estimated 8% a year between 2011 and 2021, with the sharpest rise recorded among women aged 15 to 44 and 45 to 54. According to CANSA’s summary of the 2024 National Cancer Registry, cancer of the vulva ranked among the 10 most commonly diagnosed invasive cancers in South African women. During the reporting period, 1 078 cases were confirmed through tissue examinations, with the estimated lifetime risk standing at one in 347 women.
“Women are often taught to feel embarrassed about discussing intimate health concerns. This can delay them from seeking help when symptoms persist or keep returning,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s national manager for health programmes.
Warning signs that should not be ignored include: persistent itching, burning or pain; a lump or swelling; thickened skin; a sore that does not heal; changes in skin colour; unexplained bleeding; pain when urinating or during sex; and symptoms that repeatedly return despite treatment.
Health experts say recognising symptoms early and seeking medical advice without delay can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
