Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer this gynaecological cancer awareness month
This gynaecological cancer awareness month, the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance want to help bust the myth that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer.
Did you know that one in five people think there is a national screening programme for ovarian cancer?
We also know that only 21 per cent of women in the UK can name bloating as a key symptom of ovarian cancer.
This information, in combination with Target Ovarian Cancer's finding that 40 per cent of women wrongly believe that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer, tells us we need to act urgently to provide better clarity on screening.
A combination of poor symptoms awareness and the misconception that national screening programmes detect ovarian cancer is putting women with ovarian cancer at risk of late diagnosis.
The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
'Let's talk about ovarian cancer'
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, improve confidence in self-advocacy and to contact their GP practice if they are concerned.
Find out more about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Healthcare professionals
If you are working in a healthcare setting, here's how you can help to bust myths this month:
- update local cervical screening messaging on your practice website to align with national guidance, making clear what the test does and doesn't detect
- make sure everyone in your practice is aware of the limitations of cervical screening, and how to take action on disclosure of symptoms of possible ovarian cancer
- order ovarian cancer awareness materials from Target Ovarian Cancer
- update your knowledge of ovarian cancer, with Target Ovarian Cancer's healthcare professional learning.
Signs and symptoms
Women can be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age but it's more common in women aged between 60 and 80.
The main symptoms of ovarian cancer 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.
* (Source: Cancer registration statistics - NDRS - 2022 data.)