WOMEN are putting themselves at greater risk from a deadly form of cancer because of embarrassment about going to the doctor, an expert has warned.

Gynaecological cancers affect around 650 women every year in Lancashire, but the conditions are still shrouded by a stigma that prevents many victims from seeking medical help.

Medical experts say any delay to diagnosis can lead to significantly worse survival rates compared with women who are treated earlier.

Now specialist nurses from the county are supporting a campaign, including question and answer sessions, to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers and to minimise the taboos and embarrassment that surround them.

Sandra Murray, a gynaecology oncology nurse specialist for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “This is a great initiative which aims to break down the barriers and stigmas associated with gynaecological cancers. Women know about checking their breasts regularly but gynaecological cancers remain a taboo because of embarassment.

“We want to bring gynaecological cancers out into the open and encourage women to raise the subject. If women become more open about gynaecological cancer it could help with early diagnosis which could make all the difference in their treatment.”

On Wednesday, September 17 there will be a mobile cancer information unit at the Flag Market in Preston from 10am and gynaecology specialist nurses from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be on hand to answer any questions or queries.

Other events are planned.

Leaflets will be available at GPs’ surgeries and the events.

The publicity drive coincides with Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Week which begins on Monday.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35 and it affects around 3,000 women per year.

Cancer of the womb most commonly occurs in 50 to 64-year-olds and affects around 6,000 women each year.

Vulval cancer affects about 1,000 people each year and ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK and usually affects 40 to 70-year-olds, although women of all ages can be affected.