Fewer women than men would now contact GP about possible cancer symptoms, research finds

Fewer women than men would now contact their GP practice if they noticed a possible sign of cancer, new analysis has found.

Research for the Scottish Government's Be The Early Bird campaign found that 57% of women surveyed in 2025 strongly agreed they would contact their doctor if they noticed a possible symptom, compared with 65% of men.

A big drop since 2018

That is a marked change from 2018, when 75% of women strongly agreed they would seek advice about a possible symptom. The figure for men was unchanged at 65%.

"Your own health slips to the bottom of your to-do list"

Health officials are urging women to act if they notice any unusual or persistent changes in their bodies, and not to delay contacting their GP practice.

GP Dr Punam Krishan said: "We know how busy life gets, and all too often, your own health slips to the bottom of your to-do list."

"But if you notice something that isn't normal for you, and is persistent, please contact your GP practice rather than searching online; we would always want to hear from you."

Screening matters too

The campaign also highlights the importance of screening and urges women not to let appointments slip. Medical experts said attending screening remains one of the most effective ways to find cancer earlier, even for people without symptoms.

Lesley Osborne, 66, from Biggar in South Lanarkshire, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice, is urging people not to put off seeking advice.

Why early diagnosis matters

Cancers found at an earlier stage are generally easier to treat, and treatment is more likely to be successful. In Scotland, women are invited for cervical screening and breast screening, and both men and women aged 50 to 74 are sent a bowel screening test.

More information about cancer symptoms and screening is available from NHS Inform.