31% of women have put off or avoided seeking medical advice for gynaecological symptoms
New research has found that just one per cent of women can name all five gynaecological cancers, as 21 women in the UK die every day. Charity the Lady Garden Foundation said that while progress has been made, since the UK government’s 2022 Women’s Health Strategy aimed to significantly improve gynaecological cancer care, significant challenges persist.
“The fact that only one per cent of the population can name the diseases that directly affect half of us underscores a significant awareness gap, impacting individuals’ ability to recognise vital signs and symptoms or seek timely medical help,” said John Butler, Medical Director and Trustee at the Lady Garden Foundation. “Addressing this isn’t just about awareness; it’s a critical public health priority. Our collective efforts are essential to ensure the latest commitments announced by this government translate into tangible change that saves lives.”
The report also found 31% of women have put off or avoided seeking medical advice for gynaecological symptoms. 43% invited to cervical screenings said barriers put them off attending and 18% of respondents aged 25-34 invited to cervical screening have never attended.
Key reasons cited for putting off seeking medical advice include difficulty making appointments, embarrassment, and, specifically for cervical screening, fear of pain or previous bad experiences.
Women also reported systemic challenges within healthcare interactions. “We frequently hear reports of women feeling ‘not taken seriously,’ ‘dismissed,’ or ‘not believed’ when seeking gynaecological advice,” said CEO and charity co-founder, Jenny Halpern Prince. “These experiences highlight crucial areas where we can improve patient support and trust within our healthcare system, ensuring women receive the empathetic and effective care they need.”
The Lady Garden Foundation is dedicated to addressing the issues by increasing awareness of both the charity and the five gynaecological cancers. The Foundation aims to serve as a primary entry point for reliable, stigma-free information, empowering individuals to understand their bodies, recognise symptoms, and overcome barriers to accessing crucial care.
The commitment is underscored by The Lady Garden Foundation’s ‘Silent No More’ Garden, unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. Designed by Darren Hawkes, the garden serves as a national call to action, utilizing five sculptures to spark conversations, break long-standing taboos, and encourage open dialogue about symptoms and preventative care.
“Continued focus and collaborative action are essential to progress,” said Mr Butler. “The ongoing commitment from the government, alongside societal efforts to break down taboos surrounding gynaecological health, are crucial. The Lady Garden Foundation is dedicated to being a beacon of information and support, empowering women with the knowledge they need. We urge everyone to learn the signs, speak up, and help us save lives.”
The five main gynaecological cancers are womb (uterine), ovarian, cervical, vulval, and vaginal cancer.
