11 February 2026
Janette Smith, Consultant Gynaecology Radiologist, Cambridge University Hospitals
With the changes in demographics for cancer in women and the increasing rates of cancers found in females, the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) is holding an event to focus on women’s health on 15 May 2026.
I think we have all noticed the worrying trend for cancer in younger age groups both in our daily work and in the press. Between 1995 and 2018 there has been a 22% increase in cancer rates in 25-49 year olds. This is compared to 9% in those over 75 years old (Cancer Research UK). Although colorectal cancer is often mentioned, there has also been an increase in cancers exclusively or more commonly found in females.
Female specific or predominant cancers include cervix, endometrial, ovarian, vulval and breast cancer. They account for 12% of all cancer diagnoses and 10% of deaths. With the exception of cervical cancer, most of these cancers traditionally occur in the older age groups. However, there is a worrying trend of increasing incidence of these cancer in women under the age of 50 yrs.
According to Cancer Research UK, since the 1990s, breast cancer rates have increase by 16% in 25-49 year olds, although rates for older age groups have also increased. A similar trend is seen in ovarian cancer with rates in 0-24 year olds increasing by 76% and in 25-49 year olds increasing by 8% since the 1990’s, while incidence in older age groups has decreased. Endometrial cancers are increasing in all age groups over 25 years old, with rates in those between 25-49 years increasing by 48% since the 1990’s (CRUK). Cervical cancer is the exception to this trend. With the introduction of the HPV vaccination and screening programmes cervical cancer is predicted to fall by 8% in the next 14 years.
Although some of the increase in young women can be accounted for by risk factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, diet and by genetic syndromes (BRCA 1 and 2 and Lynch syndrome), there is also concern for other unknown factors which may also be influencing the trend.
In response to these challenges the BIR is planning a one-day event on women’s cancer imaging, with particular emphasis on cancer in younger women. This event will bring together leading experts on women’s imaging, gynaecology and genetics, focusing on epidemiology and diagnosis of breast, ovarian, uterine malignancies in those under 50 years as well as all important mimics. Although rare, malignancies in pregnancy can occur and prove a challenge both in diagnosis and staging.
Despite advances in screening and treatment leading to higher survival rates for many of these cancers, disparities remain in the stage of diagnosis and survival rates, particularly among different socioeconomic, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ communities. Addressing these disparities and improving access to care will also be another theme of the conference.
The BIR Women’s Health event will be open to everyone interested in women’s imaging, although mainly focused on those in higher registrar, fellow or early stage consultant or other allied health profession. For more information or to register please visit the event webpage here.
