October - Women’s health

Women’s Health is a broad subject that relates to the health and wellbeing of women, with focus on the impacts of biological and societal differences. This includes reproductive health, which covers a woman’s entire life from the start of periods, to choices about contraception, pregnancy and menopause.

These differences sadly often place women at a disadvantage in society, and women suffer worse health as a result. Therefore, Women’s Health is a critical priority for public health in the UK and Harrow.

The NHS website has a page dedicated to information about Women’s Health which may be useful for you, which you can find on the NHS website.

In Harrow, life expectancy for women is 85 years. Healthy life expectancy (meaning how long someone lives in good health) for women in Harrow is 61 years, compared to 65 years in men. This means that on average, women in Harrow spend nearly 25 years of their lives with long-term health conditions, which is significantly more than men.

There are a number of cancers which affect people with female reproductive organs, such as cisgender women or trans and non-binary people depending on the type of cancer. This includes cervical, ovarian, womb, vaginal and vulval cancers, as well as breast cancer.

Catching cancer early is key to improving your chances of survival and leading a longer, healthier life. To do this, it is important to know what your body usually looks and feels like, which will help you to notice any changes. If you notice any changes or have any worries, then it is important to contact your GP without delay so that they can help you. Cancer Research UK have more information about checking yourself for cancer here.

Find more information related to women's cancers, and breast cancer.

The NHS offers free screening for cervical and breast cancer, which you can access here in Harrow. Going to your cancer screening is important because it could help to find a cancer much earlier. If a cancer is picked up early, then treatment is more likely to be successful and you are more likely to survive.

When you are eligible, you will be sent a letter inviting you to attend a screening appointment. Here are some details for each type of screening:

• Cervical cancer: You will be invited to screening at least every three years between the ages of 25 and 49, then every 5 years between 50 and 64. During your appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix by a female nurse or doctor using a simple swab brush. This is to see whether you have a type of virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The NHS website has lots of information about cervical screening.
• Breast cancer: You will usually be invited to screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 to 70. After 70, you can still be screened every 3 years if you self-refer. During your appointment you will have a mammogram, a type of x-ray that looks at your breasts. The NHS website has lots of information about breast screening.

You can find information by Cancer Research UK on screening for trans or non-binary people.

Cervical and breast cancer screening is available for everyone who is eligible in Harrow. You can also watch this video on cervical cancer screening in North-west London.

There are many different sources of Women’s Health support which you can access in Harrow. This includes cancer screening (please see the drop-down question above for details), women’s safe spaces like at Diya, DAWN and Harrow Cove, the Resourceful Women’s Network and violence and domestic abuse support. Details of these can be found in the drop-down options below.

You can also find details about sources of Sexual Health support in our dedicated webpage.

Diya is a support group for South Asian women experiencing poor mental health and wellbeing. They offer women a safe space to talk about their experiences and take part in activities to improve their mental wellbeing. To find more information via mindinharrow.org.uk.

Harrow Cove is a place where people can go if they are having a mental health crisis. You can simply turn up, no appointment is needed. They provide 1-to-1 support in a safe and welcoming space, as well as group activities including a Women’s Group. You can find more information at www.hestia.org/harrow-coveere

DAWN support women’s emotional and mental health and provide social inclusion and wellbeing support for women. They offer 1-to-1 counselling, social wellbeing services and activities in a safe space. For more information visit www.dawncharitabletrust.org.uk

Resourceful Women’s Network provide a wide range of support services. This includes family law consultations, counselling, arts and crafts, exercise and many more services and sessions. They also provide information and guidance on a range of issues that affect women through drop-ins and events. You can find more information at www.resourcefulwomensnetwork.org

Harrow Council has recently set up a number of safe havens in the area where people can seek help and support.

Information and contacts for support services related to violence and domestic abuse can be found on the Harrow Council website.

Harrow Council helps to run Harrow Health Walks which encourage people to be active and connect with others. There is a low-intensity Women-only walk every Wednesday. You can find more information about the walks here.

There are a number of important awareness dates for Women’s Health in 2025, which are:

• Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – 20th-26th January
• Cervical screening awareness week – June 2025
• Ovarian cancer awareness month – March 2025
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2025
• Mother's Day – Sunday 30th March 2025.  An international holiday honouring mothers, motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society
• World Menopause awareness Day – October 18th 2025
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – November 25th 2025, followed by 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
• International Women’s Day – 8th March 2025