The Eve Appeal has warned that relying on artificial intelligence for medical advice could be dangerous, after a survey found AI chatbots frequently provide inaccurate or outdated information about gynaecological cancers. A YouGov poll of over 2,000 women revealed that nearly one in ten (9%) had sought health advice from AI platforms after experiencing symptoms. While 28% were prompted to see a doctor, 24% felt falsely reassured that their symptoms were not cause for concern.
Further testing by the charity involved 25 scenarios with ChatGPT. The AI failed to identify ovarian cancer as a potential cause of persistent bloating lasting more than three weeks – a recognised key symptom. Much of the information provided was irrelevant to the UK health system, did not align with NHS guidance, or was inaccurate.
Women's health experts have outlined five gynaecological signs that should prompt a visit to a doctor. Dr Jane Benjamin, a GP, highlighted abnormal vaginal bleeding – after menopause, after intercourse, or between periods – as a potential sign of endometrial abnormalities or cancer. Dr Lucy Lord, a gynaecologist, advised learning your normal pattern and seeing a doctor if you get three months of change or one month with a serious change, especially post-menopausal bleeding.
Pain, particularly new or different pain, is another key symptom. Lord explained that new period pain may indicate endometriosis or adenomyosis, while pain during deep penetration could be linked to pelvic problems, infections, fibroids, or ovarian tumours. Changes in bowel habits should also be flagged, as they can be a sign of bowel cancer or, in advanced stages, gynaecological cancers.
Unusual discharge, such as watery green or profuse yellow discharge, may indicate infections like trichomonas vaginalis or gonorrhoea. Finally, persistent bloating lasting longer than a week, especially if accompanied by feeling full after meals or increased abdominal size, can be a potential sign of ovarian cancer, which often presents late due to lack of awareness.
