International Women’s Day: A spotlight on women’s cancer services

08 March 2024 — david-allen

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re championing a handful of the cancer support services for women across the UK.

Whilst some cancers affect people of all ages and genders, the most common cancer types that specifically affect women include:

1. Breast Cancer*
2. Cervical Cancer
3. Ovarian Cancer

Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer is the most common of cancer types in women and a staggering one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime*.

There is a great number of breast cancer support groups across the United Kingdom, with organisations like Pretty ‘n’ Pink in Belfast offering both financial and psychology support for women of Northern Ireland that are living with breast cancer.

*Men can get breast cancer too, although is quite rare.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects women primarily 30 to 45 years of age and a regular smear test is the best way to help prevent cervical cancer.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has been providing expert help and advice to women across the UK for 20 years and is a great resource for those living with cervical cancer with fundraising events taking place across the country.

Ovarian Cancer

Nearly 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer ever year in the UK and predominantly affects post-menopausal women, but can affect woman of all ages.

Ovarian Cancer Action is a UK charity dedicated to beating ovarian cancer. Their aim is to raise awareness, empower women, to give them a voice, and to create a better future for the thousands of mothers, partners, sisters, daughters and friends affected by this disease. 

Another charity that supports women living with ovarian cancer and their families is Ovacome that provides information and emotional support. Their website has its own helpline and searchable map to assist you find help and support in your area.

Hair and Beauty Wellbeing

A common occurrence for women living with cancer can be the affect treatment has on their physical appearance and the psychological impact this can have. Using our Cancer Care Map you’ll find a variety of services across the country that provides help in your area.

Cancer Hair Care is the UK’s leading hair loss charity and offers free, expert advice and support on all aspects of hair loss, hair loss prevention and hair care, before, during and after cancer treatments.

For women going through chemotherapy in Northern Ireland, Headscarves by Ciara provides custom made headwear at an affordable price for women with the added reassurance that as a cancer survivor herself, Ciara understands the struggles of hair loss.

The team at Look Good Feel Better offer free confidence boosting workshops across the UK for women (and men) undergoing treatment for any type of cancer and is a chance to meet people in a similar situation as well as learning skills to manage to side effects of treatment.

For further information or to suggest a cancer support service for women in your area, then please contact us.