GPs don’t always take women’s health concerns seriously, say almost two thirds of women we surveyed to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026.
Nearly two out of three (61%) women surveyed say their health concerns are always, often or sometimes not taken seriously by their GP, in a new survey to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which is this month. This is vital because it is GPs who refer women for the right tests to find out if they have ovarian cancer.
Women taking part in the survey conducted by YouGov were asked to rate how frequently they felt their health concerns weren’t listened to by their GP.
In the UK, over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Two thirds of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer too late when the cancer is harder to treat. And every day, 11 women die.
Knowing the symptoms and being listened to by your GP when symptoms arise couldn’t be more important.
Needing to wee more often or urgently is one of the key symptoms of ovarian cancer. Our landmark study, Pathfinder, tracked awareness of symptoms across a 13-year period. It found that only one to two percent of women were consistently able to name urinary symptoms as one of the key symptoms to look out for.
The YouGov survey, carried out online in February 2026, also asked women if they had urinary symptoms within the last six months and what they would do if symptoms persisted for more than three weeks.
- Just over one in five (22%) women reported experiencing needing to wee more often or urgently, rising to one in four (25%) of 45–54-year-olds.
- Over half (54%) would contact their GP if the symptom persisted for three weeks or more, despite not always feeling confident that their health concerns would be taken seriously.
- A further 38% would turn to the internet for online advice and 27% would ask at a pharmacy.
Younger women surveyed, however, were least likely to consult a GP with about a third (37%) of 18-24-year-olds choosing this option. This group were just as likely (37%) to ask family or friends.
- Almost half (46%) of women aged 18-34 years-old who were surveyed said they would seek advice online.
- Women over 55 were least likely (34%) to seek online advice.
Dr Charlotte Badescu, a GP in North Manchester who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, said:
As both a GP and someone who has experienced ovarian cancer, I understand how crucial it is that women feel empowered to seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right. You know your body better than anyone. If you develop new, persistent or unusual symptoms, please make an appointment with your GP. If you feel your concerns have not been fully addressed, consider arranging a further consultation or seeking a second opinion with another GP.
Dr Charlotte Badescu continues:
"While urinary symptoms are most often caused by conditions far less serious than ovarian cancer, it remains important to seek medical advice if they are new for you, persistent, or out of character - particularly if they occur alongside other symptoms. If you are concerned about ovarian cancer, raise this directly. Clear communication helps ensure that appropriate assessment and investigation can take place.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of the need for vigilance. Recognising the symptoms, acting on them promptly, and ensuring concerns are taken seriously can make a meaningful difference - and in some cases, can save lives.”
Lindsay was a fit and healthy 32-year-old when an initial diagnosis of a UTI turned out to be ovarian cancer. She's now cancer free and determined to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms.
"I started experiencing the need to wee a bit more. Initially I thought it was due to anxiety or excitement... but other than that, I felt well so didn't think too much about it. However, a couple of months later it became unbearable and that was when I decided to seek medical attention. I was treated for a UTI, but it didn’t relieve any symptoms, which now included bloating and stomach pain as well."
After going back to the doctor twice, and the severity of her symptoms increasing, Lindsay was sent for further tests and eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Stage 1A clear cell carcinoma of the right ovary.
I'd never heard of ovarian cancer before, and I wasn't aware of any of the symptoms. The fact that the tumour was so big meant it put a lot of pressure on my bladder and I had to go to the toilet more – that saved me. It's so important that women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and feel confident going back to the GP if something doesn't feel right, but sadly I'm not confident many do. That's why I'm so passionate about raising awareness and sharing my knowledge of the symptoms wherever I can."
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month comes just weeks after the Government unveiled its National Cancer Plan, which failed to commit funding to national awareness campaigns despite calls by Target Ovarian Cancer and other cancer charities.
Catherine Hart, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said:
The National Cancer Plan for England unveiled by the Government fails to commit to funding national symptoms awareness campaigns, despite clear evidence that women have far better outcomes when ovarian cancer is diagnosed early. The findings of this survey underline just how vital Government investment in awareness truly is. No GP ever wants to miss a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, which is why Target Ovarian Cancer is focused on ensuring GPs and other primary care professionals have the information and support that they need to identify ovarian cancer as early as possible.
