Women in town hit poor health earlier than average

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."