More than 21,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer in the UK and the seventh most common cause of cancer mortality, making it the deadliest gynaecological cancer.
The Government pledged in its NHS Long Term Plan that by 2028, 75% of people with cancer will be diagnosed at an early stage (stage one or two). “However, in women with ovarian cancer this is more likely to be Stage 3 or 4, reducing survivorship for these women. Women must #beheard”.
Women with advanced disease which has spread (metastasised) are much more likely to have disease which will recur. If women are not diagnosed until their disease is advanced, the likelihood of recurrence is almost inevitable with ovarian cancer having a 5-year survival of only 30-55%. “For these women and their families this will be devastating news at a time they are coping with an initial diagnosis”, said Hilary.
Sharon McCartney, trustee of GO Girls, and qualified nurse, explained: “When signs or symptoms do appear, they often go unrecognized, leading to delays in diagnosis. We are now demanding women must #beheard. Whilst we accept this is not an easy disease to diagnose, clinicians must consider ovarian cancer as a possibility if women present with symptoms suggestive of the disease”.
GO Girls are asking for women to #beheard as part of this year’s campaign. If you are worried you may have symptoms of ovarian cancer, including abdominal pain, bloating and feeling you can’t eat much or feeling full, these may be signs of the disease, particularly if they are do not go away