A woman from Leeds is raising awareness about the importance of regularly checking for signs of genital cancer after her own diagnosis was unfortunately discovered too late.
Pippa Sharp, 49, had to undergo a life-changing operation to remove her entire genital area due to the advanced stage of her cancer.
The Initial Symptoms
For five months, Pippa thought she was dealing with a persistent case of thrush—a common yeast infection that affects both men and women and can cause irritation and soreness.
It wasn’t until she noticed a sore patch on her vulva, the outer tissue of the female genitalia, that she began to worry.
Her GP prescribed antibiotics, but when the sore didn’t improve after a few days, further investigation was needed.
The Diagnosis
Pippa’s family pushed for a biopsy, which ultimately revealed vulval cancer. Initially, doctors thought the cancer was only in the swollen tissue on her left outer labia.
However, a scan later showed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in her groin, marking it as stage three.
This led to a series of treatments including surgery, 50 rounds of radiotherapy, and five rounds of chemotherapy.
Ongoing Struggles
After her treatments, Pippa was sent back to her consultant, who scheduled a follow-up for three months later.
However, in January 2024, she noticed swelling in the area again.
Despite the oncology nurses’ reassurances, Pippa had a strong feeling that the cancer had returned.
Her concerns were confirmed a month later when a biopsy showed that the cancer had spread to her right labia and ‘back passage.’
Additional Treatments and Setbacks
On March 22, 2024, Pippa underwent surgery to remove part of her right labia.
Despite the initial hope, further biopsies in July revealed that the cancer had indeed returned.
She had to have the entire right labia removed and is now waiting for more results before starting additional treatment.
Raising Awareness
Determined to help others, Pippa now advocates for more awareness of vulval cancer.
She says, “I was initially embarrassed about vulval cancer, but now I can’t stop talking about it. It’s rare, but it’s crucial that people know about it.”
Pippa’s ordeal began in August 2022 with what she thought was a minor issue.
A GP’s suggestion in January 2023 that it could be cancer led her to take antibiotics, but when there was no improvement, she turned to reliable sources like the NHS website for information.
She found that her symptoms matched those of vulval cancer, prompting a biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis.
What You Can Do
Pippa encourages everyone to regularly check their vulvas for any signs of abnormalities.
“Just like we talk about breast checks, we need to be checking our vulvas too.
It’s a simple check when you’re in the bathroom or lying in bed—feel for any soreness, lumps, or unusual discharge.
Always consult your GP if you have concerns.”
The Statistics
Around 1,400 women are diagnosed with vulval cancer in the UK each year, with women in their 90s being most affected.
Sadly, only 58% of patients survive for 10 years after diagnosis, and nearly 470 women die from the disease annually.
The majority of vulval cancers are thought to be preventable, with 69% linked to HPV infections.
The HPV vaccine offered in secondary schools aims to reduce the risk of such cancers.
Pippa’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and regular self-checks.
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