The charity Macmillan Cancer Relief has launched a campaign to encourage women to be aware of the symptoms of gynaecological cancers.

Two public information leaflets have been issued under the initiative which is designed to increase understanding of symptoms that could be cancer in women.

Gynaecological cancers, which include cervical, womb, ovarian and vulval, are not the commonest cancers but the problems they bring can have devastating effects.

More than 15,000 cases are diagnosed across the country each year including 5,900 cases of ovarian cancer, 4,000 people with cervical cancer, 4,300 with cancer of the womb and 900 with cancer of the vulva.

Treatments for every type of the disease can profoundly affect a woman's body image, sexual function and fertility and also pose particular problems for their partners.

The campaign has been backed by TV presenter Angela Rippon, who urged women to take action if they were worried.

"It is certainly true that for many women, particularly older women, the idea of going to their GP with gynaecological symptoms they are worried about can be embarrassing," she said.

"However there is usually a simple explanation for symptoms and it is much better to get advice sooner rather than later.

"Even if your usual family doctor is a man, you can ask to be seen by a female doctor if that makes it easier.

"The most important thing is to take the symptoms seriously."

A spokesman for the charity said cervical smear tests saved lives and the death rate from cervical cancer had fallen considerably in recent years.

Tests are carried out between the ages of 20-64 every three to five years and women are advised to get tested after the menopause.

Other gynaecological symptoms that should be checked out are any abdominal pain or swelling, bleeding at a time other than periods, and itching and soreness around the vulva.

It is very unlikely they would be cancer but they should not be ignored.

The first leaflet is aimed at well women and stresses the importance of regular screening and helping to identify early signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers.

The second sets out standards of care women should expect following diagnosis of cancer. The charity hopes it will give women the confidence and knowledge to ask the right questions and get the best care and treatment from the NHS.

The two leaflets are available free by calling the Macmillan Cancer Relief Information Line on 0845 6016161, or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Macmillan Cancer Relief, 15-19 Britten Street, London, SW3 3TZ.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.