The new Government’s recent policy announcements have highlighted a renewed commitment to improving women’s health services in the UK.

Key to this objective is the development of a comprehensive 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to create an NHS fit for the future by addressing existing challenges and anticipating future healthcare needs. Despite this early promise, significant issues persist, particularly in areas such as gynaecology waiting lists, maternity care and access to specialist services.

Women’s health policy concerns

The Women’s Health Strategy for England was introduced in July 2022 and set out a range of commitments over 10 years to improve women’s health, including increasing female participation in medical research, expanding women’s health hubs and ensuring better access to treatment. However, there are concerns that policy commitments are not being fully met.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has warned that removing the requirement for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to maintain women’s health hubs would have devastating consequences, affecting approximately 600,000 women currently on gynaecology waiting lists in England.¹

Delays in treatment mean more women will experience disease progression, increasing the likelihood of emergency A&E visits and preventing many from working, caring for dependants or maintaining a good quality of life.

Delays in treatment mean more women
will experience disease progression.

Maternity care safety and disparities

Maternity services are also under significant strain. The Care Quality Commission has reported that 65% of maternity units are not meeting safety standards, contributing to the highest levels of negligence claims in the NHS due to avoidable injuries and even fatalities. The impact of these failures goes beyond financial payouts; women and families are suffering the lifelong consequences of poor maternity care.

Ethnic minority women face even greater risks within the maternity system. Black women in the UK are almost four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women, and Asian women face a twofold risk.² These disparities persist despite repeated inquiries and reports highlighting systemic failings. The Government has pledged to include specific targets to close the Black and Asian maternal mortality gaps in the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan.

Call for health reforms

While the Government pledges to reduce gynaecology waiting lists and improve maternity care are welcome, there remains a significant need for more investment in research, workforce retention and tackling sexism and racism in healthcare. Greater clarity is also required as to how the 10-Year Health Plan will deliver real, measurable improvements in women’s health outcomes.

[1] Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. 2025. RCOG responds as long waiting times for gynaecology continue.
[2] Warrender, E. 2022. Open Access Government. Is childbirth more dangerous for Black women in the UK?

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Cervical screening is a test offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 to help prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical screening saves 5,000 lives a year in the UK.¹ Yet, the number of people going for their screening is going down, as 1 in 3 did not go when invited in 2023–2024 [AO1] (36%).²

Cervical screening in the UK

Cervical screening looks for HPV (the virus which causes nearly all cervical cancers) and any changes to the cells which can then be treated or monitored to prevent them from developing into cancer. Cervical cancer is almost wholly preventable. In 2023, NHS England set themselves the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. To meet this goal, we must ensure every eligible person who wants screening gets booked in and attends.

Findings on cervical screening awareness

We found a lack of knowledge of some steps and adaptations women and people with a cervix can ask for during their cervical screening appointment to make the appointment easier and more comfortable.

Our survey (YouGov, January 2025) found that 1 in 2 (56%) weren’t aware that they could ask for their cervical screening test to stop at any point. Three in four (77%) weren’t aware that they could ask for a smaller size speculum. Just 1 in 10 (12%) knew they could book a double appointment for more time for their screening test or that they could ask to try a different cervical screening position like the left lateral position (11%).

Cervical screening isn’t
easy for everybody.

How to make cervical screening more comfortable

Cervical screening isn’t easy for everybody. There are things you can do to help make the appointment more comfortable, and we want everyone to be aware of these:

• Asking for a smaller speculum
• Booking a double appointment
• Asking to bring a friend, family member or carer with you for support
• Listening to an audiobook, podcast or music 
• Asking if you can try a different position for cervical screening
• Asking for information on cervical screening in ‘Easy Read’ or in your preferred language 
• Asking for a female nurse or doctor to perform your cervical screening

[1] Gov.uk. 2024. Topic 2: background to cervical screening.
[2] Gov.uk. 2024. Cervical screening programme, 2023-24.

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Know the importance of early detection of breast cancer, regular breast checking and attending breast screening appointments when invited.

Breast Cancer Now wants every woman to know the importance of early detection, regular breast checking and to feel educated and empowered to know the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Get to know your normal with TLC

Early detection of breast cancer is key; the sooner it’s diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be successful. So, it’s important that all women know the signs and symptoms and get to know their ‘normal’ through regular breast checking. Breast cancer can cause a number of signs and symptoms and while most breast changes — including breast lumps — are not cancer, it’s important to get any change checked by your GP.

Breast checking only takes a few minutes. There’s no right way to do it, as long as it’s done regularly. It could be while getting dressed, showering or putting on moisturiser. It’s as simple as ‘Touch, Look, Check (TLC).’ Touch your breasts. Look for changes. Check any new or unusual changes with a GP.

Breast checking only
takes a few minutes.

Importance of routine breast screening

Breast screening is a key tool for detecting breast cancer early. In England, the minimum target for women taking up their screening invite has just been met for the first time in five years. However, there is still work to do as thousands of women miss having their breast cancer detected through screening each year. Women in deprived areas and certain minority ethnic groups face a higher risk of late breast cancer diagnosis due to significant health inequalities. Worryingly, these women are also less likely to attend regular breast screening, which is one of the issues driving these disparities.* 

Improving public awareness of breast screening

As part of our #NoTimeToWaste campaign, Breast Cancer Now, along with its supporters, has been calling for a national campaign in England to promote breast screening. It is also calling for the Government to provide a service that’s convenient and equitable for everyone eligible.

We were thrilled that NHS England announced a dedicated nationwide awareness campaign last month, targeted at those who need it most. Not only will this be a step forward in improving public understanding of breast screening and its importance, but it will crucially encourage more people to take up their invitation. We want to remind anyone affected by breast cancer that we can provide information and support — in every way we can, all year round.

*Source: Breast Cancer Now (2023). Our blueprint to transform breast screening by 2028.

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Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing patchy, discoloured and thin skin, mainly in genital and anal areas. It mostly affects postmenopausal women and prepubescent girls. However, it can impact anyone, including men.

Lichen sclerosus symptoms typically include itching, pain, skin changes, soreness and painful intercourse. If left untreated, it can lead to infections, vulval ulceration and an increased risk of cancer.

What causes lichen sclerosus?

The exact cause of lichen sclerosus remains unclear, though it is believed to involve genetic, hormonal, irritative, traumatic and infectious factors. Often classified as an autoimmune disorder, it is associated with antibodies targeting a specific protein. In women, the condition is most common after menopause.

What are the treatment options?

The first-line treatment for lichen sclerosus is typically the use of potent topical corticosteroids. However, because this condition is often chronic, many patients require lifelong steroid maintenance therapy along with regular follow-ups. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to widen the vagina or remove the foreskin. Recently, studies have shown that laser treatment is emerging as a promising alternative to corticosteroids, offering patients another potential solution.

Laser therapy is emerging as a
viable option for patients who
do not respond to corticosteroids.

Laser vs. corticosteroid therapy

Laser therapy is emerging as a viable option for patients who do not respond to corticosteroids or wish to reduce long-term steroid use.¹ With corticosteroids, applying the correct amount with precision is essential. This treatment generally needs to be applied daily or, in some cases, twice weekly. Even when a patient is in remission, maintenance therapy is often required along with regular check-ups.

In contrast, laser therapy typically requires three sessions spaced two to four weeks apart, with follow-up sessions every six months. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that laser therapies using Fotona’s Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers help reduce inflammation and can be just as effective as topical corticosteroids, with no significant adverse effects.² Patients reported minimal discomfort during the treatment, and results showed significant improvements that can last up to six months. To enhance effectiveness further, laser therapy can be combined with corticosteroid treatment.

When should you seek help?

Symptoms of lichen sclerosus are often dismissed as a normal part of ageing, which may prevent women from seeking medical advice. However, women’s health is always worth a conversation. If you notice symptoms like itching, pain and skin changes, talk to your doctor. Early intervention can prevent complications and help manage the condition more effectively. By exploring available treatment options, we can improve quality of life and ensure that those suffering from lichen sclerosus receive the care they need.

[1] doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2019.01.023
[2] https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17737

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For millions of women, endometriosis remains a debilitating and underdiagnosed condition, often taking seven to 10 years to identify due to the limitations of current diagnostic methods.

Ziwig is transforming the field with pioneering technology, combining next-generation sequencing (NGS), salivary RNA analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a fast, reliable and non-invasive diagnostic solution: Ziwig Endotest^®️.

AI-powered endometriosis diagnosis

The test uses salivary microRNA (miRNA) sequencing to identify patterns linked to endometriosis. Advanced AI algorithms analyse large datasets, quickly identifying miRNA patterns for accurate early-stage detection. This technology improves diagnosis, reduces uncertainty and speeds up access to appropriate care. With 97.4% sensitivity and 93.5% specificity, the test offers a precise alternative to invasive tests and symptom-based assessments, leading to better patient outcomes.

This salivary RNA technology
shows promise beyond endometriosis.

From innovation to global access

In a major step toward making early diagnosis more accessible, French health authorities have approved fast-track reimbursement for 25,000 patients across 80 specialised medical centres under the Innovation Funding framework. This marks a significant shift in addressing the diagnostic gap, ensuring timely care for thousands of women.

Ziwig Endotest^®️ is already available across Europe and the Middle East, reaching 20 countries. Further expansion is underway in regions like Asia and South America, highlighting Ziwig’s commitment to making innovative diagnostic solutions available to women worldwide.

Beyond endometriosis: pioneering the future of diagnostics

This salivary RNA technology shows promise beyond endometriosis. The company is exploring new applications in oncology, neurology and gynaecology, with ongoing studies targeting ovarian cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other complex diseases. This breakthrough technology is paving the way for precision medicine, where non-invasive molecular diagnostics are standard for early detection.

Recognised for its innovation in women’s health, Ziwig was awarded the Galien International Prize 2024. The company are reshaping the way women’s health is prioritised, studied and treated. With Ziwig Endotest^®️, a new era of faster, more precise and accessible diagnostics begins — empowering women and influencing the future of healthcare.

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State-of-the-art, personalised fertility care — delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts — offers hope and support for all types of family building.

Fertility difficulties affect as many as one in six heterosexual couples¹ and three in five over the age of 40.^2,3 However, advancements in reproductive medicine now offer more options than ever. The Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) at London’s Guy’s Hospital (part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust) is one of the UK’s largest NHS fertility clinics. It offers state-of-the-art fertility options to support individuals and couples — whether they are starting their journey, exploring parenthood options or preserving fertility for the future.

Counselling and emotional support
are also available free of charge.

Evidence-based, supportive fertility care

The ACU’s expert multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, embryologists and counsellors is dedicated to using precise, evidence-based approaches to maximise success. “Our fertility specialists only provide treatments that truly enhance outcomes,” says Dr Julia Kopeika, consultant gynaecologist and subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery. “We do not support the use of ‘add-ons’ when there is clear evidence that they do not improve treatment outcomes. We believe that fertility treatments should be guided by scientific benefits rather than unproven methods.

“We work with each patient to personalise their treatment plan, carefully managing expectations and recommending interventions based on individual needs. Counselling and emotional support are also available free of charge, ensuring holistic and patient-centred care.”

Comprehensive fertility treatments

The ACU offers a full spectrum of fertility treatments including ovulation induction, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and surgical sperm retrieval (MicroTESE). It also has the UK’s largest pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) service — treatment for couples with known genetic conditions at risk of having a child who might inherit a genetic condition — and performs more than half of PGT cycles in the country.

Its fertility preservation service is among the largest globally, providing advanced treatment options such as egg, sperm and embryo freezing, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and OncoTESE. These services support individuals looking to preserve their reproductive potential, including those undergoing cancer treatments or choosing to delay parenthood.

Access and inclusivity

For NHS treatments, patients must meet certain eligibility criteria, but self-funded packages are available. Dr Kopeika adds: “We welcome everyone exploring their journey into parenthood including those with complex medical conditions, cancer patients, individuals undergoing gender-affirming therapies and those with cultural needs.”

“As fertility science advances, so do the opportunities for those hoping to start a family,” says Dr Kopeika. “We’re proud to lead the way with our commitment to research and excellence and ensuring that patients have access to trusted fertility care and the most innovative treatments available.”

[1] World Health Organization. 2023. 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO.
[2] BMJ. 2003 Aug 23;327(7412):434–436. doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7412.434.
[3] Heffner LJ. Advanced maternal age–how old is too old? N Engl J Med. 2004 Nov 4;351(19):1927-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMp048087. PMID: 15525717.

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This Endometriosis Month, let’s end the stigma around menstrual health. With many women not getting help for period pain and heavy bleeding, it’s time for change. It’s not ‘just a period.’

Contrary to popular belief, heavy bleeding and pain during periods do not only affect an ‘unlucky few.’ Wellbeing of Women found 62% of women aged 16-40 suffer from severe period pain, with nearly 30% experiencing heavy bleeding most or every period.

Period stigma persists

Women deserve better, yet menstrual health discussions remain shrouded in stigma. On average, women wait 22 months before seeking help for difficult period symptoms. Heavy bleeding and pain are often dismissed by friends, family and healthcare professionals, forcing generations of women to endure debilitating symptoms. Period mishaps are common — affecting 86% of those who menstruate — yet 77% would feel ashamed if it happened publicly, and 45% even in private. 

Women face a loss of jobs, careers and
financial independence, as they struggle to
cope with symptoms that are often dismissed.

Impact beyond ‘just a period’

For young girls, the impact is profound. They miss out on education and social plans, as pain and heavy bleeding often keep them confined to their beds. Women face a loss of jobs, careers and financial independence, as they struggle to cope with symptoms that are often dismissed. In progressive and chronic conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids, delays in treatment can result in A&E admissions, blood transfusions, emergency, complex and riskier surgeries and can even impact fertility — all with additional, significant costs to the NHS.

In December 2024, the Women and Equalities Select Committee highlighted that lack of education, societal stigma and medical neglect have led to gynaecological conditions being overlooked. This is despite up to one in three women living with heavy menstrual bleeding and 1 in 10 having endometriosis or adenomyosis.

Period symptom checker

To address this, Wellbeing of Women has developed a Period Symptom Checker, helping women identify symptoms, seek appropriate care and advocate for their health. Ending the stigma requires better education, public awareness, increased research funding and workplace support. Menstrual health is a societal issue; when women are well, everyone benefits.

 The Just a Period Campaign aims to ensure no one is held back by period symptoms. By understanding what’s normal, women can seek timely care and take control of their health.

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Endometriosis care has been neglected, harming patients and the economy. This Endometriosis Action Month, governments must take bold action to improve care for the 1 in 10 affected in the UK.

If we are to debunk the myths that are riddled within our society about endometriosis, such as ‘It’s just a bad period’ or ‘It’s just part of being a woman,’ we must all accept our responsibility in standing up for the injustice that those with the disease face — in accessing a diagnosis and treatment, at work and in being believed for the pain those with symptoms are experiencing.

Supporting people with endometriosis

We simply cannot afford to ignore the fact that it still takes, on average, nearly nine years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK — a statistic that has not changed in over a decade. We must also ensure that everyone with the disease receives prompt access to treatment and the support they need to thrive at every point in their life. This takes governments, employers, healthcare practitioners at every level and the public to join our fight for change.

Endometriosis UK hears all too often that symptoms go ignored, dismissed and misdiagnosed, which can have a huge impact on all aspects of someone’s life, including their physical and mental health, friendships and relationships, education, career and fertility. The lifelong cost of failing to support those with endometriosis in both physical and mental health cannot be overstated.

It still takes, on average, nearly
nine years to get a diagnosis of
endometriosis in the UK.

Return of investing in endometriosis care

Awareness is increasing, and conversations are starting to shift, but this must be matched with clear action from the Government. There is mounting economic evidence that the Government simply cannot afford to ignore. A recent report by NHS Confederation shows that for every £1 per woman in England put into obstetrics and gynaecology, there is an estimated return of £11 per woman.

Investing in endometriosis care will not only reduce suffering for those with endometriosis but will also save the NHS time and resources, as well as benefit the wider economy. Now is the time to act, so please join us this March and beyond in campaigning for change.

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New research from a leading national charity highlights how a lack of trauma-informed care can exacerbate the already distressing experience of infertility and its treatment.

Fertility Network’s research shows the massive mental health impact of fertility problems, with most fertility patients experiencing depression and anxiety, and 40% reporting suicidal feelings.

Infertility-related trauma is more common than previously recognised

What the charity’s latest research highlights is that infertility-related trauma is far more common than previously recognised. A survey of 590 fertility patients found that 41% of respondents met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD, according to the International Trauma Questionnaire. The research was co-produced with the British Infertility Counselling Association and researchers at Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Queen’s University Belfast.

Fertility care exacerbates or causes trauma

While some patients reported positive experiences, worryingly, the majority of patients (61.2%) said aspects of the care they received made trauma worse. Only a minority of respondents (16.1%) reported healthcare professionals (HCPs) discussed infertility-related trauma with them, and only 1 in 4 patients (27.6%) said HCPs put in place support to help them cope with infertility-related trauma.

It was the repetitive or cumulative
effect of distressing events that
seemed to exacerbate the trauma.

Events most associated with trauma

The reproductive events most associated with traumatic experiences included ectopic pregnancy, one or more unsuccessful IVF cycles, miscarriage and baby loss, stillbirth and unsuccessful treatment as a whole. In many cases, it was the repetitive or cumulative effect of distressing events that seemed to exacerbate the trauma.

Patients also described how poor care, such as dismissive or conflicting advice, poor or insensitive communication, mistakes and delays and no forewarning or explanations about negative outcomes, compounded the traumatic events.

Trauma-informed care can make a difference

However, the research revealed how trauma-informed care can make a difference. Acknowledgement of the experiences as traumatic, signposting to specialist trauma therapy, better information to manage expectations of success and discussion of the emotional aspects of treatment, all helped.

Patients who were able to access appropriate specialist trauma therapy at an early stage, such as EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) therapy and trauma-informed CBT counselling, also reported less impact. It’s time to make trauma-informed fertility care standard for all.

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Women’s health is at a pivotal moment, with growing concerns about the fairness of menopause care and many important questions still unanswered.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a term used in the UK to describe several different treatments that are used to treat the symptoms associated with menopause. While some newer HRT options might be safer than older ones, we do not have enough information about their effects, especially for women with complicated health issues.

Real-world data improves healthcare

If we can collect data on how treatments work in individual patients (real-world data), we can start to tackle this knowledge gap. This is what the Society for Endocrinology, in collaboration with our platform specialist PeopleWith, is doing through the Patient-Reported Outcomes for Menopause Management Intervention Study (PROMMIS). Imagine having a tool that allows you to contribute to your own health journey and improves care for future generations. That’s exactly what the PROMMIS study aims to do.

Imagine having a tool that allows you to
contribute to your own health journey
and improves care for future generations.

Tracking symptoms to improve tailored care

Using the PeopleWith app, women can track their symptoms to see how treatments work in everyday life outside of clinical trials. By gathering this information, it will help doctors gain a better understanding of how treatments work and tailor care to individual needs. This data can then be used to support innovative research to improve care in women’s health, including heart or blood vessel problems, diabetes and pre-diabetes.

An opportunity to be a part of something big

We are recruiting women to get involved soon. Speak to your healthcare professional on how to get involved.

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