I recently attended a special event to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, where we dressed as “teal heroes” – the colour of the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month campaign.
Ovarian cancer can be devastating. Every year 7,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK, and 4,100 women die from the disease. We all have to act to ensure that more women know the symptoms to look out for, are diagnosed sooner and get the treatment they need.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are frequent (they usually happen more than 12 times a month) and persistent, and include: increased abdominal size/persistent bloating; difficulty eating/feeling full; pelvic or abdominal pain; and needing to wee more urgently or more often. Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, change in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP.
