4 health risks women need to be aware of

Women face several health risks that are either unique to them or disproportionately affect them compared to men. Knowing what to look out for, when to get screened and what lifestyle changes make a real difference can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. Here are four health risks every woman in the UK should be aware of.

1. Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in UK women, with around 56,000 new cases diagnosed each year according to Cancer Research UK. The NHS breast screening programme invites women aged 50-71 for a mammogram every three years, but early detection can happen long before that.

Self-checking your breasts regularly is one of the most effective things you can do. Look for changes in size or shape, lumps, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge. Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but any change should be checked by your GP promptly. Survival rates for breast cancer caught at the earliest stage are over 98%.

Family history matters too. If you have a close relative who had breast cancer, speak to your GP about whether earlier or more frequent screening is appropriate for you.

2. Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease kills twice as many women in the UK as breast cancer, yet many women underestimate their risk. Coronary heart disease often presents differently in women than men – instead of classic chest pain, women may experience breathlessness, nausea, jaw pain or extreme fatigue.

The British Heart Foundation reports that women wait an average of 30 minutes longer than men to call an ambulance when experiencing heart attack symptoms, partly because they don’t recognise the signs. Key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Regular cardiovascular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and getting your blood pressure checked annually are practical steps every woman can take. If you’re looking to increase your activity levels, our guide to building a home gym on a budget is a good starting point.

3. Osteoporosis and Bone Health

Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, largely due to the drop in oestrogen levels during menopause. The condition causes bones to become fragile and more likely to fracture, and it often develops silently over years before a break occurs.

The NHS estimates that around 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis, and it causes over 500,000 fragility fractures every year. Prevention starts well before menopause: weight-bearing exercise (walking, running, dancing, weight training), adequate calcium intake (700mg daily for adults) and sufficient vitamin D all help maintain bone density.

If you’re over 50 and have risk factors such as early menopause, a family history of osteoporosis, or long-term steroid use, ask your GP about a DEXA scan to assess your bone density.

4. Mental Health and the Gender Gap

Women in the UK are roughly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause all contribute, as do societal factors like the disproportionate burden of caregiving and the gender pay gap.

The Mental Health Foundation reports that one in five women in England has a common mental health condition, compared to one in eight men. Despite this, many women delay seeking help or dismiss their symptoms as normal stress.

Recognising the signs early matters. Persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness all warrant a conversation with your GP. NHS talking therapies are available free of charge through self-referral in most areas. For more on maintaining overall wellbeing, read our guide to healthy habits worth practising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest health risk for women in the UK?

Heart disease is the biggest killer of women in the UK, responsible for more deaths than breast cancer. However, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, making regular screening essential.

At what age should women start health screening?

Cervical screening starts at 25 in England, breast screening at 50 (though you can request earlier screening with risk factors), and bowel cancer screening at 60. Regular blood pressure checks should happen from your 20s onwards.

How can women reduce their risk of osteoporosis?

Weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, not smoking and limiting alcohol all help maintain bone density. Women approaching menopause should discuss bone health with their GP, particularly if they have additional risk factors.