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At the age of 39, I faced the diagnosis of vulvar cancer, an uncommon cancer usually described as affecting postmenopausal women. Surviving a radical vulvectomy 30 years ago was just the beginning of my journey. This surgery involved removal of my clitoris, vulva, and groin lymph glands due to vulvar cancer, an experience that profoundly altered my life. The subsequent six weeks of pelvic radiation therapy induced menopause at the age of 42. I cannot begin to describe those first two years and discovering the taboos and stigmas associated with the word ‘vulva’.
Coincidentally, I met with a woman who experienced the same diagnosis and journey eight months previously. I remember this meeting so well, she lifted her dress, and I lifted mine and there we realised, we were on the same page. We had both requested our medical professionals to connect us with others battling vulvar cancer, but we had both been advised against doing so because ‘it would be too depressing’. There were no support groups for women navigating the post-operative journey after radical vulvectomy. This was my turning point. Feeling all alone and ostracised by society I placed an advertisement in a women’s magazine seeking others with whom I could talk. I received 38 responses, from women all over Australia, facing the same sense of isolation and embarrassment that I was experiencing.subsequent six weeks of pelvic radiation therapy induced menopause at the age of 42. I cannot begin to describe those first two years and discovering the taboos and stigmas associated with the word ‘vulva’.
Despite the challenges, and being a multiple award recipient, I remain steadfast in my mission to ensure that women with vulvar health issues receive the attention and care they deserve and that research into vulvar cancer receives the same funding as breast cancer or ovarian cancers. My journey is a testament to the resilience and determination necessary to effect change in this critical area of women’s health. This is a new world with women demanding old stigmas and taboos be broken. It is time to shine a light on this silent suffering and I will continue to be the voice of women who are afraid to speak out about vulvar issues. To learn more about the author, visit: kathmazzella.com.
Source: Advocating for Vulvar Health: A Survivor’s Journey – O&G Magazine