Women's physical health checks

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with around 55,500 women and 370 men diagnosed each year. Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast uncontrollably grow and divide forming a tumour (Cancer Research UK, 2021). Currently, breast cancer risk in transgender people isn’t yet fully understood but there is ongoing research (Bupa, 2021).

Early detection of breast cancer provides a good chance of recovery, therefore understanding symptoms and checking your breasts regularly is important. Symptoms to look out for:

• A new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit
• A change in size, shape or feel of your breast
• Skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin
• Fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding
• Changes in the position of the nipple

Most breast lumps are not cancerous but it’s advised that you should see your GP if you notice any of these symptoms.

Be breast aware

Regularly checking your breasts helps you to be familiar with what is normal for you, to be able to identify any changes early on. When checking your breast, take notice of the size, shape and consistency.

Your breasts can change during your menstrual cycle. Therefore, get used to how your breasts feel throughout the month. Menopause can also affect how your breast looks and feel. See more information on menopause.

It’s important to know that there is no right way to check your breast and every woman’s breast is different. Watch this video animation provides a step–by–step guide for checking your breasts.

Breast screenings/mammograms

Breast screening is available for women between the ages of 50 and 70, and is also available for some trans or non-binary people. This screening provides early detection through an x-ray of your breast.

You may be invited for a breast screening if you are under 50 with a higher than normal risk of developing breast cancer. This may be due to a genetic predisposition or family history. Speak to your GP if this is the case and they can support you through this (Bupa, 2022). It is important to continue to check your breast even if you go for regular screening. 

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer for women in the UK, with around 3,200 women being diagnosed each year. Cervical cancer occurs when an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells happens in the lining of the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb.

The main cause of cervical cancer is from a long-lasting infection from a certain type of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that the immune system usually clears without any problems.

You may not have any symptoms of cervical cancer, but if you do they may include:

• Having heavier periods than you usually do
• Bleeding in between your periods, during or after sex, or after the menopause
• Painful sex
• A change to your discharge, for example, an unpleasant smell, change of colour or consistency
• Pain in your lower back or between your hipbones (pelvis)

Conditions like fibroids or endometriosis may result in a regular occurrence of these symptoms. Also, these symptoms are very common and can be caused by various conditions. Therefore, having them does not mean that you definitely have cervical cancer. However, it is important to speak to your GP if you notice any symptom changes or it does not feel normal to you.

Going for your cervical screening/smear test

The NHS invites women aged between 25 and 64 for cervical screening. Cervical screening also applies to trans men in this age range who have a cervix. In England, you are invited for screening every three years if you are between the ages of 25 and 49. After this, it will be every five years until the age of 64 (Cancer Research, 2020).

Cervical screening is a prevention method that tests for the HPV virus, as a high risk of HPV can cause cervical cells to become cancerous. You can contact your GP surgery online or by phone if you think you are due to have cervical screening but have not received an invitation.

This NHS video explains what to expect during your cervical screening.

Ovarian cancer affects the two small organs (ovaries) that store the eggs needed to make babies. Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer, but it mostly affects those over 50. The symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, are not always obvious. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, but early diagnosis can mean it is more treatable.

Main symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:

• a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
• pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
• no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
• an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• indigestion
• constipation or diarrhoea
• back pain
• feeling tired all the time
• losing weight without trying
• bleeding from the vagina after the menopause

The NHS website has listed information on the common causes of ovarian cancer and how to lower your risk. You can be tested for ovarian cancer, and once you receive back your results, you will be informed of next steps. 

If you're told you have ovarian cancer

Being told you have ovarian cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next. It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm. They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call 0808 808 00 00.

Treatment for ovarian cancer

Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend on:

• the size and type of ovarian cancer you have
• where the cancer is
• if it has spread
• your general health

The main treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments include targeted medicines and hormone treatments.