Why don’t we use the right terminology for our intimate areas when talking to friends, family or even medical professionals? I can’t even type the word Vulva without triggering a content warning, which is ridiculous. After all I can say elbow or shin, so what’s the difference?
So what do you do if you’re a little girl like Clare who at age 5 already had sores and blood blisters so you can’t sit still in class, and cry with pain whenever you need to urinate? Yes, of course her mum did take her to the doctor, but Clare’s learned shame meant that she wasn’t able to speak up: and the GP didn’t look to check what was the real problem. Which meant that Clare’s condition went untreated for another 35 years. Ouch.
In Plain Sight; Knitted wool and wire, with hand tooling to create texture, rips and tears reflecting the reality of the condition
Despite regular smear tests, all the gynaecological check ups associated with having two children and several requests for help with her pain and discomfort; It took 38 years for a medical professional to listen and then look long enough and thoroughly enough for Clare to get a diagnosis. The consequence was that Clare’s Lichen Sclerosis became Stage 3 vulva cancer and required multiple surgeries and 58 sessions of radiotherapy. And before you ask, no, it isn’t like having sunburn.
Living with Lichen Sclerosis all her life meant that Clare suffered from itchy skin, white patches, ulcers, blood blisters and tears in her vulva. As the condition worsened it felt like sitting on a bed of nails, however much cream she applied. Clare’s story highlights the need to look at your own body and know what normal healthy tissue looks like. Too many of us are ashamed to look which is frankly ridiculous. So why not get a mirror and look right now and get all the women you care about to do the same? You can find a helpful guide of what to look out for on @vulvalcancerukawareness.
Since working with Clare and the Mortal and Strong campaign, I’ve acknowledged my own learned hesitancy to use the word Vulva. I don’t want to be part of the problem, so I’m actively changing my habits and using the correct terminology in normal everyday conversation, as well as communicating the importance of doing the same to others. Let’s all stop saying ‘down there’ or ‘twinkle’, and use the right words for whichever part you mean. Vulvas are not ugly, disgusting and unclean nor something to be ashamed of and hide.
I didn’t know – hand forged and beaten copper
See you there. Together we can change the social stigma and the taboos around our bodies and ill health.
You’ll be able to see and bid on my works responding to Clare’s experience of Vulva Cancer as well as all the other artworks in the Scars of Gold exhibition and auction in May to raise funds for the @mortalandstrong campaign. A campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality. Together, we’re producing 100 artworks telling the stories of 100 women affected by critical illness at a young age. So why not come along and make a difference to the future of health. Changing the experience from pre-diagnosis, through treatment, post-diagnosis and palliative care.
Mortal And Strong is a registered charity (No. 1209448) for people with life changing/incurable health conditions. Scars of Gold is a National campaign and art exhibition sharing the Voices of 100 people with lived experience of life changing/incurable conditions. 10th to 17th May, 2025. The Sidings Gallery, Waterloo, London. Tickets are free, please register on EventBrite.
Update: What a fantastic event, what an amazing year of making, talking and changing the outlook for women’s health. All 3 of these artworks sold, making more than £800 for the charity. I’m so proud to have been able to contribute.
Jen Cable Art 