Women in town hit poor health earlier than average

A study of female health in Luton has revealed that women in the town see the onset of poor health five years earlier than the national average.

The Let Women Speak report, commissioned by the Borough Council, also found over 70% of women aged 45-64 had an at-risk Body Mass Index (BMI) level.

Luton's director of public health Kelly O'Neill said: "Women are spinning a lot of plates as part of what the expectation of being a woman is, so many have put their own health and well-being secondary to the well-being of others.

"That meant they weren't turning up for cervical screening, breast screening and many things that help them stay healthier for longer."

More than 250 people from a range of ages and cultures were interviewed for the report that focuses on the wellbeing of the 112,400 women and girls who live in the town.

The study found the average age of onset of poor health for women in Luton is 55.8 years compared to 60.9 nationally. In June the BBC reported that life expectancy for women and men is also lower than the national average at 82.6 for women and 78.6 years for men.

The report also found:

• 24% of school-age girls in Luton skip breakfast and 15% skip lunch, which is often linked to stress, time pressure and concerns about body image.

• Only 52.5% of women in Luton aged 25-49 take up cervical screening.

• Only 27.3% of women in Luton access long-acting reversible contraception.

• In 2025 only 63% of eligible women in Luton had a breast screening, compared to 71% nationally.

Councillors have now agreed to champion women's health and support the delivery of actions to improve health and wellbeing.

Dr Eva Patel is a GP at Luton Medical and Dental clinic. She said she often sees woman coming in who are managing multiple responsibilities.

"Working, bringing up children, looking after elderly parents or supporting other family members often from large families means their own physical and mental health is often the last thing they prioritise," she said.

Thirty-seven young South Asian women were also interviewed about their experience of social isolation.

Patel said: "Language can be a barrier. If a woman comes in by herself and they don't feel comfortable speaking English then they might find it difficult to explain symptoms, even with a translator."

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