The inaugural PCN Women’s Health Study Day was held on 9 February 2023 in Cardiff. The day aimed to shine a light on women’s health issues and help those who attended to deliver women’s healthcare more confidently. I think the delegates will agree that the day was inspiring and provided lots of practical tips to take back to clinic and share with colleagues.
The sessions
Menopause
The day began with Hazel Hayden, founder of the Bristol Menopause and Wellwoman Clinic, giving an overview of what menopause is, symptoms, management – both pharmacological and lifestyle – and explaining why nurses are so important in helping women navigate this life stage. This was a particularly valuable session with the current media attention on the menopause.
Contraception
Next, Sarah Kipps, clinical team leader of Falcon Road sexual health clinic, looked at contraception in the over 40s. Continuing on from the previous menopause discussion, she highlighted that although fertility declines as women age, effective contraception is still needed until women reach menopause. Sarah covered what methods are suitable for the older women and when a woman can be certain that contraception is no longer required.
After a coffee break, Sarah Kipps gave another talk on contraceptive care and treatment for obese and overweight women. The session covered the growing problem of obesity, the myths and evidence around the effect of different methods of contraception on weight gain and explored the safe prescribing of contraception for this group of women.
Ovarian cancer
After lunch, Dr Elise Lang, GP and Macmillan clinical advisor for Wales, gave a presentation on ovarian cancer. Dr Lang covered the signs and symptoms, highlighting that most women have symptoms for 1 year before diagnosis, but often put them down to something else. This provides a window of opportunity for earlier diagnosis. Practice nurses may be well placed to notice some of these symptoms and highlighted some useful resources such as a symptom diary from Target Ovarian Cancer that may be helpful. Dr Lang also covered treatment that women will experience, but stressed that no one in primary care is expected to know everything. However, nurses in general practice can play a role in supporting these women as they go through treatment.
Endometriosis
Next endometriosis clinical nurse specialist Liz Bruen discussed the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of endometriosis. Recent political developments were also included, as Liz has been instrumental in getting an endometriosis specialist nurse in every health board in Wales. Liz also shared some moving artwork and impactful statements from patients with endometriosis, and it was powerful to hear, in their own words, how the condition affects them.
Breast-cancer related lymphoedema
Finally, we had Dr Melanie Thomas, clinical director for lymphoedema services in Wales. Dr Thomas talked about breast cancer-related lymphoedema. In an interactive presentation, Dr Thomas asked us about risk factors for lymphoedema and dispelled many myths. We learnt how these myths can have a negative impact on quality of life, with some women stopping activities they enjoy due to misplaced fear – with one woman being told she shouldn’t rock her baby grandchild. Dr Thomas also highlighted the need to share evidence-based information, with the fact that women with a body mass index of >30 are four times more likely to get lymphoedema being of key importance. Nurses should not shy away from sharing these facts, she said, even if it feels uncomfortable to bring up the topic of weight.
Conclusion
Feedback for the day was extremely positive. Thanks to all delegates, speakers and sponsors for a wonderful event. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.