One quarter of women take more than three months to visit their GP after they first experience symptoms. Once they do see their GP, almost one third of women face delays or more in obtaining a correct diagnosis. This may explain why we have one of the worst survival rates in England.
So this month – Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – Target Ovarian Cancer is asking everyone (and you don’t have to be a woman to do this), to tell 50 people about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. They are also asking everyone to raise at least £50 to help the charity continue with its vital work.
Why all the 50s? One in 50 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. By handing out 50 leaflets at least one woman could notice that she has some of the symptoms, see her GP and get an earlier diagnosis.
About ovarian cancer
Getting older is a risk factor for ovarian cancer, as it is with many other types of cancer. Women who are post-menopausal are the most likely to have ovarian cancer. Other potential risk factors include a family history of cancer, being infertile or having infertility treatment, using a coil, having endometriosis, using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and smoking.
This section gives information about epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type, which accounts for almost 9 out of 10 cases. For information on the rarer types of ovarian cancer go to www.targetovariancancer.org.uk or to www.cancerresearchuk.org and look for the section ‘types of ovarian cancer’.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
In the earliest stages, while it is still confined to your ovary (stage 1 ovarian cancer), you may not have any symptoms. If you do they are likely to be fairly mild, and include pain in your side, and a bloated feeling in your abdomen.
Stages 2 and 3 are cancer that has spread and is growing in the space between your hip bones. Symptoms can include lower tummy pain, back pain, constipation, bleeding from the vagina after the menopause, or irregular periods, and having to pass urine more often than is normal for you. You may also have difficulty eating, or feel full quickly.
Stage 4 ovarian cancer means that the cancer has spread to another organ in your body, such as your lungs. Symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and obvious swelling in your abdomen.
If your symptoms are
- new, quite severe and don’t come and go
- happen on most days for three weeks or more
- and particularly if you are over 50 or have a clear family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you should see your GP for a check-up. Don’t put it off.
