Every year, 1000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with one of the five gynaecological cancers. As a result one person dies every 24 hours.
Despite these horrifying stats, awareness around the five gynaecological cancers is startlingly low. That’s why we've has teamed up with our friends at gynaecological cancer charity, Talk Peach.
Our Limited-Edition Hello Peach Cup is here to support those living with gynecological cancer. The cup is available in three sizes, XS, SM and L. Ten percent of every sale of the Hello Talk Peach Cup will go directly to support the amazing work Talk Peach do.
It’s time to change the status quo. To TALK. EDUCATE. and SAVE LIVES. Scroll down to read more about the types of gynaecological cancers and the symptoms.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
- Share your selfie on Instagram, high-fiving the camera, and calling out one of the five gynaecological cancers: Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine, Vaginal, and Vulval.
- Tag @talk_peach and @thehellocup and use one of our cute Hello Peach stickers (found in the Giphy library).
- Use our hashtag #TALKEDUCATESAVELIVES
- Let people know about our Hello Peach Cup
- Let's band together, and show the gynaecological cancers who's boss!
- DONATE directly to Talk Peach
Check out some example selfies here!
We want to lift the silence on gynaecological health. We want to open up conversations so that everyone knows the difference between a vulva and vagina.
We want everyone to know that there are five gynaecological cancers and have them knowing their ‘normal’. AND, importantly - when something feels abnormal, have them feeling comfortable talking about it.
Only then, will everyone be able to access the healthcare they need, when they need it.
What are gynaecological cancers?
Gynaecological cancers are cancers that start in areas of the reproductive system, including: the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vulva and vagina.
The reproductive organs are made of tiny 'building blocks' called cells.
Gynaecological cancers begin when these cells grow abnormally.
A cervical smear tests only for changes to cells in the cervix it does NOT screen for the other 4 gynaecological cancers. There are no screening tools for 4 out of the 5 gynaecological cancers, have you heard of them?
- Ovarian
- Cervical
- Uterine
- Vaginal
- Vulval
Each of the 5 gynaecological cancers have their own individual signs, symptoms and risk factors and more information on these can be found on the ‘Talk Peach’ educational website www.talkpeach.org.nz below are a list of some common signs across the 5:
- Abnormal bleeding: bleeding after sex/bleeding between periods/post-menopausal bleeding
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Changes in bowel habits: diarrhoea/constipation
- Changes in eating habits: Feeling full quickly
- Urgency/frequency to pee
- Changes to the appearance of skin on the vagina/vulva
- Itchy skin on the vulva and/or opening to the vagina
- Fatigue
- Difficulty peeing
- Persistent bloating
- Indigestion
Having these symptoms does not mean you have cancer, but it is super important to get any changes checked by your doctor especially if they have persisted for 2 weeks or more and aren't the norm for you.
Some tips for talking to your medical professional:
- Make a list of what you are feeling, any changes, how often it/they happen and how long things have been going on.
- Think about your whānau/family history of cancer and let your doctor know
- Go back to your doctor if you don't feel better, even if tests show you don't have a problem - you are within your rights to ask for a second opinion.
- Take a whānau/family member or friend with you to the appointment for extra support
Thank you for purchasing a Talk Peach Hello Cup (LINK), together we are making change and saving lives.
Please check out www.talkpeach.org.nz for more information on the individual cancers, their signs, symptoms and risk factors and pass this new learning on to your loved ones. You too can foster much needed change.
TALK. EDUCATE. SAVE LIVES.
XOXO
Hello Cup and Talk Peach
