Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

Joyce Harper
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Season 4 Joyce Harper is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, author, public speaker, scientist and host of the podcast Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Together with expert guests and people with lived experience, this podcast offers practical tools to help you build a life of good health and happiness. www.joyceharper.com Instagram, TikTok: @profjoyceharper Facebook: Global Women Connected

  1. 5d ago

    S4, #23: Dr Stacey Bryan: Understanding vulval and vaginal cancers

    Dr Stacey Bryan (BSc MBBS MRCOG MD) is a consultant gynaecologist and gynaecological cancer surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where she completed her subspecialty training in gynaecological cancers. She obtained her undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science and Medicine, at St George’s University of London in 2008, and membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2015. She has undertaken research into HPV and early detection of cervical cancers and was awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Institute of Women’s Health at University College London (UCL) in 2022.  Her work has led to publications and presentations at both national and international conferences. Staceys practice focuses on the diagnosis and management of gynaecological issues including cancer and non-cancer. She specialises in complex benign and cancer surgery, colposcopy and acute diagnostic services, vulval/vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, rapid diagnostics, pre-invasive cervical and vulval disease. As such she is able to offer a one stop service including gynaecological ultrasound scanning. She is the lead for Vulval Cancers at Imperial College London. https://eveappeal.org.uk/   In this episode Joyce speaks with consultant gynaecological cancer surgeon Dr Stacey Bryan about two of the least talked about gynaecological cancers: vulval and vaginal cancer. Together they discuss the symptoms to look out for, including persistent itching, soreness, skin changes, bleeding and unusual discharge, as well as who is most at risk and the treatment options available. One of the most important messages from this conversation is the need to know what is normal for your body.  Stacey encourages women to check their vulva every month, be aware of any changes, and seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual. Although vulval and vaginal cancers are rare, early diagnosis can make a significant difference to outcomes. The episode also explores the links with HPV, the impact of treatment on quality of life and intimacy, and why partners can play an important role in recognising changes. This is the final episode in the gynaecological cancer mini-series and is packed with practical, potentially life-saving information that every woman should hear. Date of episode recording: 2026-09-17Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:Professor Joyce HarperGuests: Dr Stacey BryanProducer: Joyce Harper

  2. Sep 23

    S4, #22: Professor Adam Rosenthal: Ovarian cancer: what women need to know

    Prof. Adam Rosenthal qualified from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School (now Imperial College), London, in 1992 and undertook general Obstetrics and Gynaecology training, working at various hospitals, including St. Mary's, Queen Charlotte's, the Hammersmith, and Chelsea and Westminster. He is now a Consultant Gynaecologist at UCLH, where he leads the Colposcopy and Familial Gynaecological Cancer services. He is also Professor of Gynaecological Cancer Prevention at University College London (UCL). His clinical interests are laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, colposcopy, gynaecological cancer screening, HPV-related pre-cancers of the cervix, vagina and vulval and inherited gynaecological cancers. He has published extensively on gynaecological cancer screening and prevention in journals including the Lancet and the British Medical Journal. He has sat on the UK Cancer Genetics Group Steering Committee, and the NICE Familial Ovarian Cancer Guideline Committee. He is a Trustee and medical advisor to the Eve Appeal; the UK's foremost gynaecological Cancer charity. He features regularly in media stories about inherited gynaecological cancer and has appeared on Sky News, Chanel 4 News, Channel 5 News, BBC London, ITV London, and Radio 4 Today amongst others. https://eveappeal.org.uk/  In this episode Professor Adam Rosenthal explains why ovarian cancer can be so difficult to detect, how our understanding of the disease has changed over recent decades, and why many ovarian cancers are now thought to start in the fallopian tubes rather than the ovaries. We discuss the key symptoms, including persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, pelvic pain and changes in bowel or bladder habits, and why it is so important for women to know what is normal for their own bodies and seek medical advice when something feels different.  We also explore risk factors, including age, family history and inherited genes, as well as the challenges researchers face in developing an effective screening test. Adam talks us through current diagnostic tests and treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies, while highlighting the importance of personalised cancer care. He also tackles common myths, including the misconception that only your mother’s side of the family matters when assessing inherited cancer risk, and explains why a normal cervical screening result does not rule out ovarian cancer.  This episode is full of practical, evidence-based information about ovarian cancer awareness, prevention and early detection, along with an important reminder that persistent symptoms should never be ignored.   Date of episode recording: 2026-09-15 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Adam Rosenthal Producer: Joyce Harper

  3. Sep 16

    Season 4, #21: Professor Adeola Olaitan: Get bleeding checked: what every woman should know about womb cancer

    Adeola Olaitan was appointed as Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at the University College London Hospital, the gynaecological cancer centre for the North London Cancer Network, in January 2002. She discontinued NHS Clinical work in August 2022 but retained her UCL contract and she was awarded an honorary chair in January 2026. She obtained her Medical Degree from the University College Hospital London where she was distinguished with a certificate of merit in surgery. As part of her training in obstetrics and gynaecology, Prof Olaitan worked in many of London's leading Hospitals. She underwent sub specialty training in gynaecological oncology at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol. She is an accredited minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeon and offers women the minimally invasive approach where appropriate. She is also accredited in colposcopy. https://eveappeal.org.uk/ Womb cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer, and rates are rising. In this episode, Professor Joyce Harper speaks with consultant gynaecological oncologist Professor Adeola Olaitan about the symptoms every woman should know, why early diagnosis is so important, and what can be done to reduce the risk of developing womb cancer. Adeola explains why bleeding postmenopause should never be ignored, discusses heavy bleeding during the perimenopause, and outlines the key risk factors for womb cancer, including obesity, PMOS, Lynch syndrome and tamoxifen use. She also explains why women who have a womb and take HRT need progesterone to protect the lining of the womb. Joyce and Adeola also discuss the importance of lifestyle factors such as healthy eating, exercise and weight management, not only for reducing cancer risk but for improving overall health and wellbeing.   They also tackle the rise of misinformation on social media, including dangerous claims about alternative cancer treatments, and highlight the importance of seeking evidence-based information from trusted organisations such as The Eve Appeal.  This episode contains an empowering message for all women: know the symptoms, trust the evidence, and never be afraid to ask for further investigation if something doesn't feel right. Most importantly, don't ignore unusual bleeding. Early diagnosis can save lives.  Date of episode recording: 2026-09-01 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Adeola Olaitan Producer: Joyce Harper

  4. Sep 9

    Season 4, #20: Dr Thomas Ind: Cervical cancer: screening, HPV and prevention

    Dr Thomas Ind is a Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, one of the UK's most senior gynaecological oncology surgeons, and currently President of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society. He has spent many years specialising in cervical cancer and was involved in the development and introduction of fertility-preserving surgery for women with early-stage cervical cancer. https://eveappeal.org.uk/  In this episode, Joyce and Tom discuss cervical cancer, HPV and why cervical screening remains one of the greatest success stories in cancer prevention. Tom explains what cervical cancer is, how HPV causes the vast majority of cases, why HPV vaccination has been so effective, and why attending regular smear tests is still essential, even if you have been vaccinated. They also discuss the symptoms of cervical cancer, risk factors, and how treatment has evolved to become more effective and, in some cases, fertility-preserving.  The conversation also tackles common myths surrounding HPV and vaccination, explores exciting developments in self-testing, and highlights how increasing uptake of vaccination and screening could make cervical cancer increasingly rare.   Date of episode recording: 2026-02-11 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Dr Thomas Ind Producer: Joyce Harper

  5. Sep 2

    Season 4, #19: Sanju Pal: Turning Pain into Change: The Endometriosis Campaign That Made Legal History

    Sanju is a passionate Endo Warrior whose life's work is underpinned by social justice. She is founder of the education charity RISE (Rural India School Enterprise) which she managed whilst working full time as a management consultant at Accenture for a decade. This led to her winning the UK Asian Women of Achievement Award and being profiled in ‘Inspirational Women in Business’ by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Her Late Majesty the Queen recognised Sanju alongside global changemakers at the ‘Youth, Education and the Commonwealth’ reception at Buckingham Palace. Sanju has been invited to 10 Downing Street and received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Her life changed in 2018 when Accenture sacked her whilst she was recovering from surgery for endometriosis. Since then she has been fighting for justice.  On 19 January 2026, Sanju won a landmark high court case setting legal precedent for endometriosis to be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 in the UK but Accenture have appealed. She campaigns for the fair treatment of women with gynaecological conditions in the workplace. Sanju is a member of the global Teach for All community, the diverse voices of which she promotes on her podcast ‘Something for the Soul’ to inspire anyone, at any age, to be a social innovator. She writes poetry and plays violin in the West London Sinfonia. https://www.rise-online.co.uk/ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/761186 https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/accenture-disability-discrimination-endometriosis/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanju-pal-64b96166/ Instagram: @sanjusticeuk @sanjuthinks  This episode may be particularly valuable for anyone living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PMOS, PMDD, fibroids, menopause-related symptoms or other gynaecological conditions, as well as employers, managers and HR professionals who want to create healthier and more inclusive workplaces. In this episode, Professor Joyce Harper speaks with Sanju Pal about the realities of living with endometriosis. They explore why so many women struggle to be heard when seeking healthcare support and the consequences of delayed diagnosis and misunderstanding.  The conversation also examines the relationship between women's health and employment, including the adjustments and support that can help people remain in work while managing chronic health conditions. Whether you are affected by endometriosis yourself, know someone who is, work in healthcare or are interested in improving workplace support for women's health, this is an important and thought-provoking discussion. And there are ways you can help – sign the petition, support the crowd funding, write to your MP and join the movement. Links above. Education of employers is also key as without understanding, how can you support women? We do not expect every line manager to understand women’s health but we do advocate for women’s health ambassadors in every company who can support women.

  6. Aug 26

    Season 4, #18: Dr Sarah Lensen: Trying to conceive – the truth about IVF add-ons

    Dr Sarah Lensen is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health at the University of Melbourne. She has a background and interest in women's health, particularly infertility and IVF. Dr Lensen is particularly interested in improving evidence-based healthcare of women. She has been involved in a number of large clinical trials evaluating infertility treatment options, including intrauterine insemination and endometrial scratching for IVF, and she has a keen interest in clinical trial and research methodology. She is the lead researcher behind the Evidence-based IVF website, making scientific evidence about IVF options accessible to IVF patients and is Co-lead of the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, and has published many systematic reviews and meta-analyses. She also leads the (In)fertility Research Panel, supporting the involvement of patients and people with lived experience of infertility and IVF in research. Her current research aims to understand why unproven treatments options are used in reproductive medicine, and to develop evidence-based resources to assist decision making.  https://www.unimelb.edu.au/ivf Instagram: @evidence_based_ivf  Sarah explains the principles of evidence-based medicine, the role of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, and why high-quality evidence matters when making fertility treatment decisions.  Together Joyce and Sarah explore some of the most widely used IVF add-ons, including PGT-A and embryo glue, discussing what the evidence shows, how these treatments are marketed, and the challenges patients face when navigating often complex and conflicting information. They also discuss the growing influence of social media on fertility knowledge and misinformation, and why helping patients make informed, evidence-based choices has never been more important. A fascinating conversation about science, hope, uncertainty, and the future of fertility care.  Date of episode recording: 2026-08-19Presenter: Professor Joyce HarperGuests: Dr Sarah LensenProducer: Joyce HarperPodcast Owner: Joyce Harper

  7. Aug 12

    Season 4, #17: Professor Jacky Boivin: Trying to Conceive: “Just Relax”

    In this episode, Joyce is joined by Professor Jacky Boivin, one of the world's leading experts in fertility psychology, for a thought-provoking discussion about the relationship between stress, fertility, and emotional wellbeing. Together, they explore one of the most common myths in reproductive health: the belief that people simply need to "relax" in order to conceive.  Drawing on decades of research, Jacky explains what the evidence really tells us about stress and fertility, why infertility can be emotionally challenging, and how the fertility journey can affect individuals and relationships.  The conversation explores the psychological impact of fertility treatment, the value of counselling and peer support, and practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing while navigating uncertainty.  The episode also examines the growing influence of social media on fertility information, the importance of evidence-based advice, and how patients can make informed decisions about treatment options. This insightful and compassionate discussion offers reassurance, understanding, and practical guidance for anyone trying to conceive or supporting someone on their fertility journey.

  8. Jul 29

    Season 4, #16: Becky Kearns –Trying to Conceive: Fertility Matters at work – the hidden struggle

    Becky Kearns is co founder and CEO of Fertility Matters at Work, a UK organisation dedicated to improving workplace support for people experiencing fertility challenges. A former HR professional, she combines her career expertise with her own lived experience of early menopause, IVF and donor conception to advocate for better awareness and support. Becky is also the founder of Paths to Parenthub and is an established patient advocate, speaker and writer, regularly featured in national media, and is leading efforts to make workplaces more fertility friendly.  https://fertilitymattersatwork.com/ https://pathstoparenthub.com/ Instagram: @fertilitymattersatwork, @definingmum  Joyce and Becky discuss the emotional, practical and financial realities of trying to conceive while managing a career. They explore why many people feel unable to tell their employers they are struggling, the psychological impact of fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, and the difficulties of balancing appointments, treatment and work responsibilities.  The conversation highlights the vital role employers can play in creating supportive workplace cultures, the importance of fertility policies, manager training and peer support, and the need to include men, LGBTQ+ individuals and solo parents in discussions about fertility and family building. Becky also shares her vision for legislative change, including better workplace protections for those undergoing fertility treatment and greater recognition of fertility challenges as a significant life event.  This is a moving and important discussion for anyone experiencing fertility challenges, as well as employers, managers and colleagues who want to better understand how to support people through one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.

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About

Season 4 Joyce Harper is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, author, public speaker, scientist and host of the podcast Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Together with expert guests and people with lived experience, this podcast offers practical tools to help you build a life of good health and happiness. www.joyceharper.com Instagram, TikTok: @profjoyceharper Facebook: Global Women Connected

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