Let's talk about ovarian cancer

Campaign

Our 'let's talk about ovarian cancer' campaign is part of our work to increase earlier diagnosis and treat cancer sooner. It aims to encourage women to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to contact their GP practice if they are concerned.

Join our campaign on social media

If you are on Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter) or LinkedIn, please help us during March (Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month) and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer by sharing social media posts when you see them.

Posters, postcards and symptom diaries

Following a number of focus groups with women in Kent and Medway in 2023, our earlier diagnosis team has developed materials to raise awareness about the signs of ovarian cancer and encourage conversations.

These include:

• posters
• postcards
• a wallet-sized foldout card that includes a symptom diary for people to use to make a record of their symptoms, alongside advice for getting symptoms checked.

They are available to download from this page. If you would like printed copies of the materials to display or share with a group or club, please get in touch via email to england.kmcanceralliance@nhs.net putting 'Let's talk about ovarian cancer' in the subject header.

Know the symptoms

Main symptoms are:

• persistent bloating or a swollen tummy
• reduced appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
• pain or tenderness in your tummy or pelvis (the area between the hips)
• urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often).

These will be:

• frequent - they will usually happen more than 12 times per month
• persistent - they don't go away
• new - they're not normal for you.

There are many other (non-cancer) causes for these symptoms but if you are concerned, it's best to get them checked out.

Finding ovarian cancer early can mean it's more treatable.

Have the conversation. Contact your GP practice.