Season 1, BONUS #4, Details:
Prevention & Screening: New Ways to Access Preventative Services
Listen to the episode:
Episode Overview:
In this bonus episode, Dr Emma Hayward demystifies some of the most important – and most avoided – topics in women’s health. Dr Emma explains what a number of prevention tests actually do, why they matter, and how they can catch problems early.
Detailed Episode Show Notes:
“It’s really about holistic health, thinking about the menstrual cycle as a sign of overall health, as well as just reproductive health – it’s a vital sign.”
Welcome to the latest bonus episode with Dr Emma Hayward, where she this time demystifies a number of the tests used in preventative treatment, and lauds some of the revolutionary new self-testing available which is breaking down barriers to cancer prevention.
Our hosts, Marianne Storey and Anjali Mavi explore a range of topics with Dr Emma – pelvic floor health, pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, separating what’s “common” from what’s truly “normal” – and when it’s time to ask for help.
👤 Guest profile:
Dr Emma Hayward
- Practicing NHS GP
- Senior Lecturer at Bournemouth University
⏱️ Chapters:
[0:00] – Introductions and Barriers to HPV Testing
[6:05] – Breast & Vulval Self‑Checks, and Gynaecological Cancer Signs
[9:45] – Pelvic Floor Health & Prevention Exercises
🔑Key Themes:
- Understanding Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
- Barriers to Cancer Screening and How to Overcome Them
- Knowing Your Own Body: Self‑Checks and Body Literacy
- Treatment and Support Options for Pelvic Floor Problems
📖 Resources Mentioned:
- Women’s Health Support in Dorset: https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/
- CoppaFeel: https://coppafeel.org/breast-cancer-info-and-advice/how-do-i-check/
- NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/
- The Eve Appeal (self-checks): https://vulvalpainsociety.org.uk/about-vulval-pain/vulval-self-examination/
- Pelvic Obstetric & Gynalogical Physiotherapy: https://thepogp.co.uk/patients/pelvic_health_advice/pelvic_floor_muscles
🔗 Connect with us:
- Dr Emma Hayward, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmathurston/
- Marianne Storey, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-storey-46938435/
- Anjali Mavi, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-mavi-66a5a86/
- Dorset Women CIC Website: https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/
- Women’s Health Support in Dorset: https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/
🎯 Action Items for Listeners:
- Do regular pelvic floor exercises.
- Know key red‑flag symptoms and seek help promptly.
- Learn and practice self‑checks.
- Engage with screening invites or consider HPV self‑testing (where available).
- Visit the Women’s Health website for evidence-based health information.
- Share the podcast and website with other women in the community.
- Consider how to advocate for women’s health in your local area.
- Encourage male family members and partners to learn about women’s health issues.
💡 Top Quotes:
2:05 – Dr Emma Hayward:
“We do know with cervical screening, it’s not the most enjoyable experience, and it can actually be really quite painful for some women. I’m personally really excited by the HPV self‑testing pilots… because I think that can be really revolutionary.”
4:10 – Dr Emma Hayward:
“I think there’s so many barriers, and that’s where I think the HPV self-test comes in… you don’t have to have a clinician, it’s a cotton swab rather than a speculum.”
6:50 – Dr Emma Hayward:
“If you are naturally cycling, try and do [breast checks] around the same sort of time of your cycle… again, it’s learning what your normal is.”
11:10 – Dr Emma Hayward:
“Whether you’re 16 or 98, do your pelvic floor exercises, because they are the number one prevention and treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse.”
13:30 – Dr Emma Hayward:
“It’s common, but it’s not normal. And just because it’s common doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to help you.”
Transcript: Find the full transcript here. Please note, these notes are AI generated.