March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s take this opportunity to protect ourselves by understanding the symptoms
WORDS: LUCY ROBINSON PHOTOS: GETTY
Did you know the shocking fact that one woman dies of ovarian cancer every two hours in the UK? The disease accounts for 5% of all cancer deaths in women in the UK, and each year 7,500 women in the UK will be told they have ovarian cancer – that’s 21 every day.
Although the survival rate is improving, there’s still more to be done. And as March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no better time to educate ourselves about this disease. In the past, it has been referred to as a “silent killer”, but if we familiarise ourselves with the crucial symptoms to look out for, we can take action if it’s needed.
Rachel Mugnai, lead nurse adviser at Target Ovarian Cancer, says, “Unfortunately, there isn’t enough awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms in the general public. Because of that lack of awareness regarding symptoms, it can sadly be a real struggle to get an early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.”
She adds, “If everyone knows what symptoms to look for, they are more likely to seek help sooner, and therefore a diagnosis might be made at an earlier stage. If you regularly experience any one or more of the main symptoms, and it’s not normal for you, it’s important you contact your GP. It is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem but it’s important to be checked just in case.”
So, with that in mind, here are some key symptoms of ovarian cancer to look out for, whatever your age…
1 PERSISTENT BLOATING
Everyone gets bloated from time to time for a host of reasons, but new and persistent bloating could be a symptom of ovarian cancer.
“Just one in five women can name bloating as a main symptom of ovarian cancer,” says Rachel. “But persistent bloating could point to ovarian cancer. So it’s not a bloating that comes and goes – it stays and gets progressively worse.” This is because there could be a build-up of fluid within the abdomen, which is also referred to as ascites.
2 FEELING FULL QUICKLY AND/OR LOSS OF APPETITE
Feeling full quicker than normal or losing your appetite can occur with and without bloating. Either way it’s worth a trip to the doctor.
“Difficulties with appetite and eating can indicate ovarian cancer. Commonly people will say that they feel full quickly or that they’re not eating as much of
