LOCAL MP WANTS TO MAKE SURE ALL WOMEN ARE SYMPTOM AWARE
March 6, 2008 10:53 AM
Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon recently met with women who have had ovarian cancer to hear about the frequent symptoms that are often overlooked.
Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 7000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK. Survival rates are low at 30%, and have changed little in over 20 years. Diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms are ones that most women will experience from time to time. However, research shows that when these symptoms are frequent (more than 12 times a month), then ovarian cancer should be considered.
"I was shocked to realise that most of the symptoms for ovarian cancer are around the tummy area, and not gynaecological," said Nick. "Also that it often takes considerable time before women and their GPs realise something is seriously wrong. I'd like to make sure that every woman in North Devon is made aware of the symptoms which occur very frequently, and that they are not afraid to visit their GP to discuss them. When treated early, survival is 95% but often women are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread."
Further Information
Mr Harvey was attending an awareness raising event, held by the charity Ovarian cancer action, at Portcullis House in Westminster, where most MPs and their staff have offices. It heralds the launch of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month during March, in which Ovarian cancer action are encouraging everyone to persuade the women in their lives to take time and listen to their bodies, and be aware of persistent symptoms and what they could possibly be. It forms part of their Love Women campaign.
The key symptoms which women should be aware of are
• Difficulty eating / feeling full
• Tummy pain/pelvic pain
• Bloating/increase in tummy size
• Increase in urgency and frequency of passing water
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