Health Secretary Wes Streeting has reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving women's healthcare with the launch of a refreshed Women's Health Strategy. The plan includes 117 action points, such as reducing waiting times for gynaecology services, improving access to contraception and abortion care, and a £1 million menstrual education programme.
Experts are urging women to be aware of key red flags that should prompt a visit to the GP. Dr Jane Benjamin, a GP and women's health lead at HCA UK Primary Care, highlights abnormal vaginal bleeding as a primary concern. This includes bleeding after menopause, after intercourse, or between periods, which could indicate endometrial polyps or early signs of endometrial or cervical cancer.
Unexplained weight loss is another major warning sign, particularly when not linked to diet or exercise. Dr Benjamin advises consulting a GP promptly, as this can indicate underlying pathology. Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent constipation, diarrhoea, urgency, or bleeding, may signal bowel cancer and should not be dismissed.
Bloating that lasts more than a week, especially when accompanied by abdominal pain or feeling full after meals, could be a symptom of ovarian cancer. Dr Benjamin notes that ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stresses the importance of reporting persistent symptoms.
Finally, women are reminded to perform monthly breast self-examinations and report any lumps or changes. The Department of Health and Social Care hopes the new strategy will encourage women to seek help without delay, addressing these health red flags early for better outcomes.
