Tenovus Cancer Care research highlights why recognising gynaecological cancer symptoms early could save lives in Wales. When something doesn't feel right with your body, it's important to trust your instincts. But for many women with gynaecological cancer, getting answers isn't always straightforward.
A new poll commissioned by Tenovus Cancer Care has revealed some of the challenges GPs across Wales face when diagnosing gynaecological cancers, helping to explain why some women experience delays before receiving a diagnosis.
The research, carried out by Censuswide, surveyed 100 frontline GPs in Wales about the barriers they face when assessing women with gynaecological cancer symptoms.
Limited consultation times can delay gynaecological cancer diagnosis
Nearly half (49%) of GPs said limited consultation times make the early diagnosis of gynaecological cancer more difficult. Meanwhile, 39% said symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while around a third (34%) worry about referring patients into an already stretched NHS.
Every year, nearly 1,200 women in Wales are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, and around 470 women die from the disease. Both diagnosis and mortality rates are higher in Wales than the UK average, making awareness of gynaecological cancer symptoms and early diagnosis more important than ever.
The poll was commissioned to support Claire's Campaign, inspired by Claire O'Shea, who died from gynaecological cancer in 2025. Claire was determined to improve awareness of the disease and encouraged hundreds of women to share their own experiences, helping to spark important conversations about how gynaecological cancers are recognised and diagnosed.
