September marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month 2025

This month, we want to bust the myth that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer. It doesn't. Cervical screening is a test to detect high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and to help prevent cervical cancer by identifying abnormal cell changes on the cervix.  It does not detect ovarian or any other gynaecological cancer. 

New research has found that 1 in 5 people think there is a national screening programme for ovarian cancer. We also know that only 21 per cent of women in the UK can name bloating as a key symptom of ovarian cancer.

This information, in combination with Target Ovarian Cancer’s finding that 40% of women wrongly believe that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer, tells us we need to act urgently to provide better clarity on screening.

A combination of poor symptoms awareness and the misconception that national screening programmes detect ovarian cancer is putting women with ovarian cancer at risk of late diagnosis. The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

The NHS cervical screening guide information in England has recently been updated. The guide now makes clear that cervical screening does not detect ovarian or any other gynaecological cancer, but there’s still more work to do. 

If you are working in a healthcare setting, here’s how you can help to bust myths this month:

• Update local cervical screening messaging to align with national guidance, making clear what the test does and doesn’t detect

• Ensure everyone is aware of the limitations of cervical screening, and how to take action on disclosure of symptoms of possible ovarian cancer

• Order ovarian cancer awareness materials from Target Ovarian Cancer

• Update your knowledge of ovarian cancer, with Target Ovarian Cancer’s healthcare professional learning

However, we all have a role to play in this - please share this information with family, friends and colleagues.

For more information

Ovarian cancer: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/youneedtoknow-ovarian

Womb cancer: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/youneedtoknow

Cervical screening: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cervical-screening