One in five middle-aged women has ignored symptoms which could indicate ovarian or womb cancer, according to a poll in the UK.

Persistent bloating, pelvic discomfort and changes to periods were seen by many women aged 46 to 55 as normal for their age, the survey found.

Four in 10 of all women questioned believed there was a greater stigma around gynaecological cancers than other cancers.

Some 20 per cent also felt such cancers were associated with sexual promiscuity, in part due to the link between the sexually-transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

The poll of 1,000 women of all ages from across the UK was carried out for the charity The Eve Appeal.

There are five types of gynaecological cancer – womb (also known as cancer of the uterus, endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer), ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal.

Of those surveyed, 34 per cent said they would feel more comfortable talking about gynaecological cancers if there was less stigma about the issue.

Adeola Olaitan, consultant gynaecological at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s shocking that so many women are avoiding seeking help for gynaecological health problems for fear of being judged on their sexual behaviour.

“It is a proven fact that early diagnosis of women's cancers can save lives, so it's important that we all start having honest conversations about the signs and symptoms of these diseases in order to break down the social taboos and any embarrassment that currently exist.”

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, said: “We are committed to tackling the stigma around gynaecological cancers and our greatest tools for achieving this are education and conversation.

“That's why it's critical that women open up and share their experiences and concerns around gynaecological health so that we can begin to address the misconceptions around the causes and symptoms of women's cancers.”