Do you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month health professionals in Sefton are urging residents to be aware of the symptoms to help detect the disease early and save lives.
The key symptoms to look out for are:
- a swollen tummy
- A lump in the tummy
- feeling bloated
- pain or tenderness in your tummy
- loss of appetite
- feeling full quickly after eating
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often or both
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
Ovarian cancer is the biggest gynaecological killer in the UK, with around 7,500 people being diagnosed each year (Ovarian.org.uk). The earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat, so it’s important to know what to look out for.
Dr Debbie Harvey, Macmillan GP and cancer clinical lead at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “If you experience any of these symptoms and they are persistent, severe, frequent, or feel out of the ordinary for you, you should contact your GP practice to get them checked out.
“GP practices are still here to help. You can contact your practice using their website or by phone. It is helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur and how severe they are, so that you can share this information when talking to your practice.
“Most people with these symptoms will not have cancer, but it’s important to get them checked out.”
Dr Graeme Allan, cancer lead for NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Ovarian cancer mostly affects women over 50, but anyone with ovaries can be affected. Sadly, two thirds of ovarian cancer cases are currently diagnosed late when treatment is less effective.
“Many women aren’t aware of the key symptoms to look out for or may think that they are not serious or are related to another condition, which is why we’re raising awareness and urging people to read up on the symptoms.”
Information and advice about ovarian cancer:
