Cancer can affect anyone, but some types of cancer are specific to the female body, including cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulval and womb cancers. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, and 99% of breast cancer patients in the UK are women.

Understanding your body, attending routine health checks and screenings, and making informed lifestyle choices are all proactive steps you can take to protect your health. The sooner you notice any changes, the sooner you can receive the advice and help you need.

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Let’s talk about cancer

Prevention

The best way to try to avoid cancer is to live a healthy lifestyle.

Getting vaccinations and going to screening appointments can also reduce your cancer risk.

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine is offered to children between the ages of 12-13. This vaccines protects against harmful strains of HVP which can cause cancer.

Screening

Depending on your age and risk, you may be invited to appointments where parts of your body will be checked for cancer. It’s important to attend these screenings when you’re invited, as they can help pick up symptoms early.

Easy read guides:

Genetic screening

Cancer is not usually inherited, but some types – mainly breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancer – can be strongly influenced by genes and can run in families.

Talk to your doctor if cancer runs in your family and you’re worried you may get it too. They may refer you to a local genetics service for an NHS genetic test, which will tell you if you have inherited one of the cancer risk genes.

What are BRCA mutations?

Self-checks

Checking your breasts

Cancer is not usually inherited, but some types – mainly breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancer – can be strongly influenced by genes and can run in families.

Talk to your doctor if cancer runs in your family and you’re worried you may get it too. They may refer you to a local genetics service for an NHS genetic test, which will tell you if you have inherited one of the cancer risk genes.

Checking your vulva

Everyone’s vulva is unique, and it’s important to know what’s normal for you so you can be aware of any changes – no matter how small.

Period tracking

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and blood-stained discharge can be a sign of cancer. While most people with unusual bleeding won’t have cancer, tracking your period will help you spot any unusual symptoms if you need to talk to your doctor.

Resources for trans and non-binary people

It is equally important to be aware of any changes in your body if you are trans or non-binary.