Dr Lubna Haque -Consultant Gynaecologist FRCOG DFFP MBBS

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day !
International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on 8 March, is a special day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women and reminding us of the importance of supporting women’s rights, health, and wellbeing across the world.

This day is also an opportunity to encourage women to prioritise their health. Women often spend much of their time caring for families, work, and others, sometimes neglecting their own wellbeing. International Women’s Day is a gentle reminder that looking after your own health is just as important.

Regular health checks and preventive care can make a big difference. Women are encouraged to attend cervical screening, breast checks, and routine health appointments, and to seek medical advice early if they notice any unusual symptoms. Awareness about conditions such as gynaecological cancers, menopause, reproductive health issues, and mental wellbeing is vital for maintaining a healthy life.

Women’s health is not only about medical care. Good nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional support, and work–life balance all play an important role in overall wellbeing. Supporting each other as women, sharing knowledge, and speaking openly about health issues can help break stigma and improve outcomes.

On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate women’s strength and achievements, while also encouraging every woman to take time to care for her own health and wellbeing. A healthier woman means a healthier family and a healthier community. 💜🌸
Let us help you to look after your health .

Ms Lubna Haque
Consultant Gynaecologist

10/02/2026

Reducing the Risk of Gynaecological Cancer

A simple guide for patients

Every year in the UK, over 20,000 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and more than 7,500 women die from these cancers.
The good news is: some causes are preventable, and there are steps you can take to reduce risk.

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1) HPV and Cervical Cancer

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a very common virus passed through skin-to-skin sexual contact.
• HPV causes almost all cervical cancers (around 99%)
• HPV is also linked to around 70% of v***al cancers

How to protect yourself

✅ Cervical screening
Cervical screening finds early changes (pre-cancer) so they can be treated before cancer develops.

✅ HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccine prevents infection with high-risk HPV types.

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2) Know Your V***a – Don’t Feel Embarrassed

V***al cancer can sometimes be picked up early if symptoms are noticed.

See a doctor if you have:
• persistent itching or soreness
• a lump or thickened skin
• a sore or ulcer that does not heal
• skin colour changes
• bleeding or pain

These symptoms are often NOT cancer, but they should always be checked.

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3) Family History and Inherited Risk

Some women inherit gene changes that increase cancer risk.

Examples include:
• Lynch syndrome (linked to some womb/endometrial cancers)
• BRCA1 and BRCA2 (linked to ovarian cancer and breast cancer)

Genetic testing can:
• identify women at higher risk
• help plan prevention early
• support family members who may also be affected

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4) Weight and Cancer Risk

Body weight is a major risk factor, especially for womb (endometrial) cancer.
• Around 1 in 3 womb cancers are linked to obesity
• Around 7% of ovarian cancers are linked to obesity

Options that may reduce risk include:
• lifestyle support (diet, activity, weight management)
• anti-obesity medications (for some women)
• bariatric (weight-loss) surgery (for some women)
• Mirena coil (levonorgestrel IUS) – may reduce womb cancer risk in suitable patients

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5) Specialist Services for High-Risk Women

Women with inherited gene changes may be offered support through a Familial Gynaecological Cancer Service.

This can include:
• counselling and personalised risk advice
• psychological support
• menopause support (if surgery is needed)
• planning for risk-reducing surgery
• monitoring/surveillance for women who are not ready for surgery yet

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BRCA and Ovarian Cancer: Important Information

Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have a much higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, and may cause vague symptoms.

The most reliable prevention is:

✅ Risk-reducing surgery (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries)

This surgery can:
• reduce ovarian cancer risk significantly
• cause early menopause if done before natural menopause
• affect fertility
Some women delay surgery until family is complete.

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Key Take-Home Messages

✔ Attend cervical screening when invited
✔ Accept the HPV vaccine if eligible
✔ Do not ignore v***al symptoms — get checked
✔ Ask about genetic testing if you have strong family history
✔ Seek support for weight and long-term health
✔ High-risk women can access specialist clinics for personalised care

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If you are worried

If you have symptoms or a strong family history, speak to your GP or gynaecology team.
Early assessment saves lives


Enquiries
Email:harleywomenshealth@gmail.com
Mobile: 07379 075580

Offering private Health Care in Londons Parkside Hospital, St Anthony’s Hospital & Harley St Clinic

31/12/2025

As we welcome the New Year, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2026.

Thank you for the trust you place in your care. May the year ahead bring you good health, peace of mind, and wellbeing in all aspects of life. I look forward to continuing to support you on your health journey in the year to come.

With warmest wishes for the New Year,

Ms Lubna Haque FRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist

11/11/2025

Any Abnormal bleeding , Early pregnancy , Pelvic Pain or abdominal discomfort or swelling will warrant an ultrasound scan as a part of its investigation , diagnosis and management.
Ultrasound scan is the basic modality of gynaecological investigation. If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait - contact us @

harleywomenshealth@gmail.com

29/09/2025

Know your body . Taking care of vulvova**nal Health

Many women wonder whether their va**na and v***a are "normal." Learn about your body and how to keep your va**na and v***a healthy.

16/09/2025

All in a days work . With the wonderful team at the Women’s Health Centre in Harley Street London. My Clinical team supporting Outpatient Hysteroscopy, Ultrasound Scanning,Colposcopy Vulvoscopy & treatment and all other minor surgeries under local anaesthesia.
Book your appointment

30/05/2025

With my A- Team prior surgery wishing my Anaesthetic Consultant colleague Dr Daniel Robert’s a successful & wonderful new life in Canada.We will miss you .Thank you for looking after our patients with care and safety.

18/04/2025

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread by sexual contact. STIs are very common and easily spread. Some STIs can be treated and cured, but others cannot be cured. By knowing the facts, you can take steps to protect your health.

18/04/2025

Learn the warning signs of cancer and practical steps you can take to reduce your risk.

18/04/2025

You can protect yourself against HPV infection by getting the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective and protects against the HPV types that are the most common cause of ge***al warts and cancer.

18/04/2025

See a gynaecologist if you have the following issues.

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18/04/2025

HPV Vaccine & benefits

HPV can cause cancer and ge***al warts. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that’s extremely effective at preventing HPV infection. An ob-gyn explains who should get the vaccine and why.