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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer: Thousands of UK Women At Risk From 'Silent Killer' Lack of symptom awareness among UK women and their GPs

is one reason why only a third of patients survive.

Every year 6,800 women in Britain are diagnosed with ovarian cancer but, currently, the UK has the worst survival rates in Europe

at just 30%. With early diagnosis, survival rates of up to 90% can be achieved but, at present, it takes 12 months on average for an accurate diagnosis to be made.

The problem lies in a lack of symptom awareness among women and their GPs. Unlike breast cancer, for which the symptoms are

well known and from which 80% of women now survive, most women in the UK are unable to name a single symptom of ovarian cancer.
To make matters worse, the typical symptoms are similar to those of common gastric complaints, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome,

making it hard for GPs to diagnose. They include persistent tummy pain and swelling, feeling full all the time or having difficulty eating. Urinary problems, changes in bowel habits, extreme fatigue and back pain may also be experienced.

Ovarian cancer is most common in women over 40, and it can run in families. Contrary to widespread belief, the disease can't be detected with a cervical smear test. Rather, diagnosis is reached via pelvic examination, ultrasound, blood test or surgery.

Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms should visit their GP immediately and make sure ovarian cancer is ruled
out as a possible cause.

To heighten awareness of the symptoms, this March has been designated Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Dr Ayan Panja, star of BBC1's 'Street Doctor', is lending his support by highlighting the typical signs and common risk factors for ovarian cancer.

He says: "the earlier this disease is caught the better the prognosis which is why it is so important for women and their GPs to

recognise the signs and take steps to rule out ovarian cancer as a possible cause if they think they could be showing symptoms."


 For more information visit www.targetovarian.org.uk

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