Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – Do you know the symptoms to look out for?

Persistent bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and needing to wee more often are all signs of ovarian cancer, which is the deadliest gynaecological cancer.

Unfortunately, recent surveys indicate that the level of awareness of these symptoms is dangerously low, which could lead to delayed diagnosis.

Early detection is vital for increasing the chances of survival, which is why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is recognised every March.

A recent survey conducted by Target Ovarian Cancer revealed that over half of the women in the UK would change their diet instead of contacting their GP if they experienced persistent bloating – a key symptom of ovarian cancer.

Women may be putting themselves at risk of delayed diagnosis by opting to trial probiotic yoghurt, cutting out gluten, or trying a new diet regimen instead of speaking to their GP about persistent bloating.

The new survey showed that over 55% of women in the UK would make a change to their eating habits if they experienced persistent bloating, whereas only one in three (34%) would contact their GP.

Unfortunately, these findings are not unexpected due to the alarmingly low level of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms in the UK.

Previous research from Target Ovarian Cancer indicates that just 1 in 5 (20%) women can name persistent bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Annwen Jones OBE, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “These findings are extremely concerning, and provide further evidence that there remains an awareness crisis in ovarian cancer.”]

“Target Ovarian Cancer won’t accept that 11 women die every day from ovarian cancer in the UK. Not when survival rates in other countries are so much higher. And not when we can do something about it right now.”

“We know that early diagnosis increases the chances of survival and knowing the symptoms is vital to achieving this.”

“This is why we continue to demand that the UK governments invest in awareness campaigns so that everyone knows the potential significance of persistent bloating – alongside abdominal pain, feeling full quickly and needing to wee more often – and seeks the appropriate medical advice.”

“Two thirds of women are being diagnosed late, when the cancer is harder to treat, highlighting how important it is that people know the signs to look out for, and seek help promptly if they are concerned.”

Helen Hills, a woman who was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer, is urging greater awareness of the disease and its symptoms to improve early diagnosis rates.

Helen Hills was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer

Before her diagnosis, she knew nothing about the symptoms, including persistent bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and needing to wee more often. Helen started experiencing pain in her abdomen similar to period pain during the summer before her diagnosis.

By December, she was experiencing bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea, which led her to see her GP.

She initially thought she may have bowel cancer due to her family history, but a CT scan and ultrasound later confirmed ovarian cancer had spread to the spleen, lymph nodes, and near her liver.

Following initial surgery, chemotherapy, and an early slot becoming available for an ultra-radical surgery, Helen remained positive throughout, but she said cancer had left her looking at what she did one day at a time.

The emotional impact of cancer can be difficult, but support is always available, and people should ask for it.

Dr Charlotte Bădescu, a GP based in North-West England, said:

“We know that there is still work to be done in terms of raising awareness, both amongst the general public and healthcare professionals, so that we all understand the potential symptoms of ovarian cancer.”

“For some patients, it can be uncomfortable approaching your GP with your health concerns, but it’s so important that if you are experiencing persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, new urinary symptoms, or feeling full earlier than usual, that you make an appointment.”

“Things are very busy at the moment in the NHS, but GPs definitely want to hear from you if you’re experiencing or are concerned about any of these symptoms.”

If you experience persistent bloating or other symptoms, they should not hesitate to seek medical advice from their GP.

Find out more: https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer