As women enter their 30s, life becomes increasingly demanding, with careers, relationships, and personal responsibilities taking centre stage. However, amidst all these commitments, maintaining one’s health is of paramount importance. Regular medical screenings play a critical role in the early detection of potential health concerns, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. For women in their 30s, preventive care through routine check-ups can help maintain overall well-being and ensure a healthy future. Here are the top three medical screenings every woman in her 30s should prioritise.
1. Cervical screening
Cervical screening, commonly referred to as the smear test, is a crucial preventive measure in the fight against cervical cancer. In the UK, women aged 25 to 64 are invited to have a cervical screening every three years, and it is especially important for those in their 30s. The smear test detects abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which can potentially develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.
Cervical cancer is often caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18. These infections are quite common, but in some cases, they can lead to abnormal cell growth, making early detection vital. The smear test itself is a quick and simple procedure that can be done at your GP’s office. It may cause some mild discomfort, but it is not painful.
Missing your scheduled cervical screening could increase the risk of developing cancer, even if you feel healthy. This screening is one of the most effective ways to catch pre-cancerous cells before they have the chance to develop into something more serious. The NHS sends reminders for cervical screening, so you must keep your contact details updated with your GP to ensure you receive these invitations.
By attending regular cervical screenings, women in their 30s can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Early detection allows for early treatment and, in most cases, prevents the development of cancer altogether.
2. Breast health screening
Although routine mammograms are not typically offered to women until the age of 50 in the UK, breast health awareness remains critically important in your 30s. Breast cancer can occur at any age, and early detection is key to successful treatment.
Regular self-examinations are the most accessible form of breast health screening for women in their 30s. By performing a breast self-exam once a month, women can become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to detect any changes, such as lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in size or shape. The best time to perform a self-exam is a few days after your period when breasts are less tender.
While mammograms are generally offered to women over 50, those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should discuss with their GP whether early or more frequent mammograms are necessary. Women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer may also be eligible for earlier screenings.
Taking breast health seriously in your 30s is crucial because catching any changes early can significantly increase the chances of effective treatment. If you notice anything unusual during a self-exam, it’s important to consult your GP right away for further evaluation.
3. Sexually transmitted infection screening
Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, and regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential for all sexually active women, regardless of age. Many STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis, can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated, including infertility and other health complications.
Chlamydia is particularly concerning in the UK, where it is the most common STI, especially among young adults. Unfortunately, many STIs, including chlamydia, often present with no symptoms, making regular screening even more important. Women in their 30s who are sexually active, especially those with new or multiple partners, should consider regular STI testing as part of their routine health care.
Testing for STIs is quick and easy, with many tests involving a simple urine sample, blood test, or swab. The NHS offers STI testing at GPs and sexual health clinics, and home testing kits are also available for convenience. Regular STI screenings can prevent the spread of infections to others and allow for timely treatment to avoid serious health complications.
Even women in long-term, monogamous relationships may consider STI screening if there are concerns about previous infections or potential exposure. HIV testing is also crucial, as early detection allows for effective treatment that improves quality of life and reduces the risk of transmission to others.
Prioritising health in your 30s
In your 30s, maintaining a proactive approach to healthcare is essential for long-term well-being. By prioritising cervical screenings, staying vigilant about breast health, and undergoing regular STI testing, women can protect their health and prevent serious conditions from developing. Early detection is key, and many of these tests are quick, non-invasive, and readily available through the NHS or your GP. Making time for these essential screenings now will help safeguard your future health, allowing you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Taking control of your health begins with being informed and taking preventive action. Be sure to schedule your next medical screening and encourage the women around you to do the same – your health is worth it.
The NHS has launched an urgent appeal for more people to come forward for blood donation, warning that a shortage of over 200,000 donors in England could pose a risk to public safety. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is aiming to boost the number of active donors to one million to meet growing demand.
Blood supplies under pressure
Currently, fewer than 800,000 people – just 2% of England’s population – give blood regularly. This small group kept the NHS running last year, but officials say more support is needed. A severe drop in supply last year led to an amber alert, and NHSBT warns that without more blood donations, the situation could escalate to a red alert, meaning hospitals may not have enough blood for patients in critical need.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive of NHSBT, said: “Our stocks over the past 12 months have been challenging. If we had a million regular donors, this would help keep our stocks healthy – you’d truly be one in a million.”
Impact of cyber-attack
The amber alert was issued in July 2024 following a cyber-attack that disrupted services at several London hospitals. Blood stocks have remained low since, with donation levels struggling to recover. While more people have registered to donate, only around 24% have actually gone on to give blood.
Focus on O-negative and black donors
There is a particularly high demand for O-negative blood, which can be used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown. NHSBT is also calling for more black donors, as they are more likely to have the specific blood types needed to treat sickle cell disease – a condition affecting many in the black community.
About two-thirds of all blood donations are used to support people who need regular transfusions, such as cancer patients and those with blood disorders.
‘Hulk blood’ brings young patient back to life
Isaac Balmer, a four-year-old from Hull, has a rare condition called hereditary spherocytosis, which causes red blood cells to break down too quickly. He requires blood transfusions every 12 weeks.
His mother, Jasmin Suggit, who works at the hospital where he receives treatment, said: “Isaac’s haemoglobin levels fluctuate, and when they drop, he becomes lethargic and jaundiced. After his transfusion, you see the colour return to his cheeks and his energy come back. It’s incredible.
“He calls it ‘Hulk blood’ and imagines himself getting stronger. But this wouldn’t be possible without regular blood donation from everyday heroes who keep Isaac and others like him alive.”
Government urges action
Health minister Gillian Merron added her support, saying: “The NHS is in urgent need of more life-saving blood donation from people of all backgrounds. We are working with NHS Blood and Transplant to make it easier than ever to give blood, with more centres and appointments now available closer to home.”
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‘Nimbus’, is raising concerns among health experts
A new highly transmissible Covid variant, known as ‘Nimbus’, is raising concerns among health experts as cases rise sharply in parts of Asia and begin to appear in the UK. Official data shows that the strain, which has been labelled N.B.1.8.1, could drive a summer wave of infections due to its increased contagiousness and potential to evade immunity from earlier vaccinations or infections.
Cases detected in the UK
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 13 confirmed cases of the variant have already been recorded in England, and 25 British samples have been submitted to international databases since the end of March. However, experts say these figures likely underestimate the true spread, given the current limited Covid testing regime compared to the height of the pandemic.
UKHSA data up to 1 June reveals that 6.1 per cent of those tested for Covid were positive—the highest weekly figure for 2025. This marks a 7 per cent increase from the previous week and a 97 per cent rise compared to early March.
Rapid international spread
Nimbus, which is a descendant of the Omicron family of variants, has been linked to a spike in cases in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Globally, it now accounts for around 10.7 per cent of Covid infections, up from just 2.5 per cent a month earlier, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO has designated the variant as a ‘variant under monitoring’, which means it is being tracked for its potential impact but is not currently classified as a variant of concern.
Scientists warn of summer spike
British scientists are now warning that the new strain could fuel a rise in cases over the summer months, particularly as people become more socially active during the warmer weather.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said: “We are very likely to see a spike of infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month or in July. But it’s difficult to predict the level of this infection wave.”
He explained that population immunity from previous vaccinations or infections is likely waning, and unlike flu, Covid continues to spread in hot and humid weather. Laboratory studies also suggest that Nimbus is more efficient at infecting human cells and may have enhanced abilities to evade the immune system.
No evidence of increased severity
Despite its contagiousness, there is currently no indication that Nimbus causes more severe illness or higher mortality rates than earlier strains. However, experts caution that vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, people in care homes, and those with weakened immune systems—remain at risk of serious illness.
Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that Covid contributed to just over 300 deaths in England during May 2025.
Symptoms and vaccine protection
The symptoms of the Nimbus variant appear to be consistent with those of previous Covid strains. These include fatigue, fever, sore throat and muscle aches.
There is currently no suggestion that the variant causes different or more severe symptoms. Moreover, scientists believe that existing Covid vaccines, reformulated to tackle Omicron and its descendants, should still offer protection against Nimbus.
UKHSA data shows that people who received a Covid booster last spring were 45 per cent less likely to require hospital treatment compared to those who remained unvaccinated.
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
In the UK, free Covid vaccinations are currently being offered to:
Adults over the age of 75
Residents and staff in care homes
Individuals with weakened immune systems
The UKHSA has urged all eligible people to take up the vaccine offer to help protect themselves and others from severe illness, particularly with the rising presence of the Nimbus strain.
Officials closely monitoring situation
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director at UKHSA, confirmed that the agency is closely tracking the spread of the N.B.1.8.1 variant both domestically and internationally.
“UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports,” she said.
“NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases.”
As the summer approaches, experts are reminding the public that even though the pandemic is no longer dominating daily life, Covid continues to evolve. The emergence of Nimbus underscores the need for vigilance, particularly among those at higher risk.
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Ranganathan discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past and the steps he has taken to improve his mental health
Comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan has opened up about his long-term mental health challenges, describing how he has found effective ways to manage his wellbeing and now feels he is in “one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Ranganathan discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past and the steps he has taken to improve his mental health. He also reflected on his Sri Lankan heritage, his upbringing, and the difficulties his family faced during his youth.
Managing mental health with daily routines
Ranganathan said he uses running, reading and breathing exercises to help maintain his mental wellbeing. These habits have become an important part of his routine.
“One of the things I’ve noticed when it comes to mental health is you do stuff that works… and then for some reason you just stop doing it,” he said. “You go, ‘Oh, I’ve done that every day for a week, I’m really feeling better, shall I just stop? Yeah!’ And then a few weeks later, wonder why I feel much worse.”
He described recognising when his mental health dips as “half the battle”, explaining that he is now better equipped to respond to difficult periods. “Sometimes I just go through a dark period and I know that I’ve got to do something about it,” he said.
Sharing mental health experiences responsibly
The 47-year-old broadcaster also reflected on the challenges of discussing mental health publicly, particularly when such conversations might affect others.
“You’ve got to be careful because it’s triggering [for other people],” he told presenter Lauren Laverne. “The way that I try and tackle that is to talk about it… I’m trying to destigmatise it to make the conversation normal.”
Mental health should be something people feel able to talk about openlyBBC Radio 4
However, Ranganathan acknowledged the fine line involved in public disclosures. “You do also have to be mindful of the fact that people may have been affected by that,” he said. “You don’t always get it right, but I think the rewards outweigh the risks.”
He explained that, like physical illness, mental health should be something people feel able to talk about openly. But he also emphasised the importance of being sensitive to those who may have personal experiences with suicide or depression.
Personal losses and long-term challenges
Ranganathan revealed that his struggles with mental health date back to his teenage years. He recalled particularly difficult moments during his A-levels, when his father was imprisoned for fraud, and the wider financial difficulties the family faced at the time.
“I’ve been through in my life a number of periods of suicide ideation,” he said. Despite these challenges, he said he currently feels mentally strong and positive. “As I speak now, this is running close to one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life mentally.”
His father died in 2011, but Ranganathan continues to reflect on his parents' lives and the lasting impact they’ve had on him.
Honouring his mother’s strength
During the interview, Ranganathan spoke warmly about his mother, Shanthi, and described her as “one of my heroes”. He shared how his parents moved to the UK from Sri Lanka in 1970, eight years before he was born.
While his father embraced British culture, socialising and working, Ranganathan said his mother had a very different experience. “That’s a 19-year-old girl who had kids in a foreign country,” he said. “My dad was going off to work… my mum is at home and going to the shops, but… there’s a strong argument he should’ve implemented more boundaries than he did.”
He admitted that one of his biggest regrets is “not having enough empathy or understanding” of his mother’s situation when he was growing up.
Family challenges and early life
Ranganathan recalled a difficult period when he was 12, and his father lost his job and struggled financially. “He was trying to make money in his sort of Sri Lankan Del Boy way, and it wasn’t working out,” he said. “He couldn’t keep up the mortgage repayments on their house.”
His father was later arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for fraud, an event that deeply affected Ranganathan during his teenage years.
Despite these hardships, Ranganathan eventually found success in comedy in the early 2010s and has since become a household name in the UK. He now hosts a weekend show on BBC Radio 2 and has fronted numerous popular television programmes.
Music and reflections
As part of his Desert Island Discs appearance, Ranganathan selected songs from artists including Kanye West, Eminem, and Huey Lewis and the News. His musical choices reflected different stages of his life and emotional journey.
The interview provided a rare and honest glimpse into the comedian’s personal experiences and mental health journey, offering encouragement to others who may be facing similar struggles.
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Jessie J said she was choosing to focus on the fact it was caught early and expressed gratitude
Singer Jessie J has announced she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in April, sharing the news with her fans via an emotional video posted to Instagram. The 37-year-old artist revealed that she had been undergoing medical tests for the past two months while continuing to perform and release music.
“I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,” said Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Cornish. “Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word ‘early’.” The Price Tag singer explained that she had been “in and out of tests” since her diagnosis, while still managing her music career and public commitments.
Balancing health and career
Jessie J said the diagnosis came shortly before the release of her latest single, No Secrets. She is scheduled to perform at Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium on 15 June, after which she plans to undergo surgery.
“I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery,” she said. “And I will come back with massive tits and more music,” she added, using humour to manage what she described as a deeply challenging experience.
Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Jessie J said she was choosing to focus on the fact it was caught early and expressed gratitude that it had been identified in time for treatment.
Opening up about timing and emotions
She also reflected on the timing of the diagnosis, which coincided with the promotional rollout for songs including No Secrets and Living My Best Life. Both singles were prepared in advance of her diagnosis, making the coincidence especially poignant.
“To get diagnosed with this as I’m putting out a song called No Secrets right before a song called Living My Best Life… you can’t make it up,” she said.
Jessie J explained that she needed time to process the news, and decided to speak publicly as a way of confronting the reality of her illness and to reach out to others going through similar experiences. “I just wanted to be open and share it,” she said. “Selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard.”
Support from fans and friends
After her announcement, fans and fellow celebrities expressed their support in large numbers. TV presenter Gaby Roslin commented, “Sending you so much love and enormous hugs,” while others offered similar messages of encouragement and solidarity.
One follower wrote, “God is already busy healing you. You give us so much kindness. It’s time for the universe to give back some of that light.” Another said, “You are not alone. May your recovery be gentle, peaceful, and full of healing. Sending you a tight hug and all the love my heart can carry.”
Jessie J later shared on her Instagram story that she was still emotionally processing the situation. “Honestly, I need to process it and talk about it. I need a hug,” she said.
Ongoing health struggles
This is not the first time Jessie J has had to face serious health issues. She was diagnosed with a heart condition at the age of eight and suffered a minor stroke at 18. In 2020, she experienced a brief period of hearing loss, and in 2021, she went through the trauma of a miscarriage.
The singer welcomed her first child, son Sky Safir Cornish Colman, in May 2023Getty Images
In May 2023, she gave birth to her first child, a son named Sky Safir Cornish Colman, with her partner Chanan Safir Colman, a retired Danish-Israeli basketball player. Sharing her journey as a new mother has formed part of her recent online updates, as she balances her personal life with her return to the stage.
Tour still planned
Despite her diagnosis and upcoming surgery, Jessie J has not postponed or cancelled her planned tour dates. The European and UK No Secrets Tour 2025 is still scheduled to begin later this summer, with the opening show set to take place in Amsterdam.
While there may be adjustments to her schedule in the coming months, the singer has indicated she remains committed to performing and sharing new music with fans.
Spreading awareness
By sharing her diagnosis, Jessie J has once again demonstrated her openness with fans and her willingness to use her platform to raise awareness. While she acknowledged that she has not always taken time to fully process her own experiences, she said that hearing from others going through similar struggles has helped her feel less alone.
“It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse—that’s the bit that kills me,” she said.
With her tour on the horizon and treatment ahead, Jessie J continues to face her health challenge with strength and honesty—qualities that have long defined her music and public persona.
As Men’s Health Week 2025 (9–16 June) approaches, UK-based charity Lepra is raising awareness of hydrocele, a largely overlooked condition that significantly impacts men’s lives. A complication of lymphatic filariasis (LF), hydrocele causes fluid to accumulate in the scrotum, resulting in extreme swelling that can hinder mobility, limit income opportunities, and affect personal relationships.
Despite the availability of a simple surgical fix, many men suffer in silence due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and barriers to treatment.
A personal struggle: Arjun’s story
Arjun, 38, lives in a rural village in Odisha, India, with his wife, four children and father. As the family's main provider, he worked as a labourer until, six years ago, he began experiencing swelling and pain in his scrotum. The condition gradually worsened, leaving him unable to work effectively. Arjun endured daily discomfort, emotional distress, and increasing isolation due to embarrassment about his condition.
Post-surgery, Arjun experienced a significant improvement in his physical healthLepra
His family, unaware of the cause, worried about the financial burden of treatment. The turning point came when Arjun was screened by a Lepra programme and diagnosed with hydrocele.
Understanding hydrocele and its causes
Hydrocele is a common long-term effect of lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes, usually during childhood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LF often remains asymptomatic for years while silently damaging the lymphatic system. As men age, this damage can manifest as chronic conditions, including lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
Hydrocele can cause significant pain and immobility. Married men may struggle with intimacy, while single men often face social exclusion. In many cases, the stigma surrounding the condition leads to isolation, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges.
The simple solution: Hydrocelectomy
Hydrocele can be completely cured through hydrocelectomy, a straightforward surgical procedure with a recovery period of just two weeks. Yet access to this surgery is limited in many areas due to a shortage of trained surgeons and the stigma that prevents men from seeking help.
Following his diagnosis, Arjun received counselling to help him cope with the emotional toll of his condition. Although initially hesitant, he agreed to undergo surgery. After the operation, Arjun’s physical health improved dramatically. He regained the ability to work, restored his independence, and began reintegrating into his community.
The wider problem: Underreported and undertreated
It is estimated that up to half of men who contract LF in childhood will develop hydrocele in adulthood. In 2023 alone, WHO recorded a 258,886 increase in reported hydrocele cases globally, while only 7,380 surgeries were carried out, a stark reminder of the treatment gap.
Although hydrocelectomies are available for free in public hospitals, long waiting lists and inadequate surgical capacity prevent many from accessing timely care. In response, Lepra arranges private surgeries at a cost of just £100 for men unable to wait or travel for public treatment.
Lepra’s ongoing efforts
Lepra not only facilitates surgery but also works with local governments in India and Bangladesh to expand training for hydrocelectomy and improve access to care. The charity also runs community support groups led by trained volunteers who play a crucial role in awareness campaigns and pre-screening education.
These networks help break down stigma by informing communities about LF and the importance of early diagnosis. They also address common fears around surgery and travel, encouraging more men to come forward before the condition worsens.
About lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis is classified by the WHO as a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. While infection usually begins in childhood, the consequences can appear much later, affecting the lymphatic system, kidneys, and immune response. Chronic conditions linked to LF include lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
About Lepra
Lepra, originally founded in 1924 as the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association (BELRA), has been known simply as Lepra since 2008. The organisation works in India and Bangladesh, diagnosing and treating people affected by leprosy and related neglected diseases. Alongside medical care, Lepra tackles prejudice and discrimination through education, rehabilitation, and advocacy.
The charity operates under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III and has His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO as Vice President.
To find out more or support Lepra’s work, visit:www.lepra.org.uk