Ovarian cancer diagnosis rates woefully inadequate, delaying treatment and risking lives according to new survey
• 57% of women initially misdiagnosed
• 20% visit doctor more than 5 times before referral for tests
• 74% not getting vital support needed from NHS
Nearly three in five (57%) women diagnosed with ovarian cancer were initially diagnosed with a less serious condition when they first started having symptoms. Two in five visited the doctor three or more times and nearly 20% (19%) had to go to the doctor more than five times before they were referred for tests for further investigation.
New findings by gynaecological cancer charity, GO Girls, revealed that symptoms of ovarian cancer sufferers are not being recognised and are more likely to be passed off as irritable bowel syndrome, stress, menopause or menstrual problems.
Women are also not getting support where they need it the most. More than half (53%) of women with ovarian cancer felt they were not given enough time to process the information when eventually receiving their diagnosis. 29% felt they most needed mental and emotional support to help them process their diagnosis. The three dominating emotions of those with ovarian cancer are fear (69%), determination to get well (64%) and overwhelmed (58%).
Once they started treatment, they were most likely to want a simple explanation of treatment and exactly what it entailed.
The support they most value from GO Girls was that it was source of information to get practical support (45%), mental and emotional support (45%) and a place of honesty where they could both be open about how they feel and where they can get truthful answers to questions (36%).
GO Girls is working in partnership with Ovacome (the ovarian cancer support charity) to offer those diagnosed with ovarian cancer support; from their initial diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. Victoria Clare, CEO of Ovacome said: “It is fantastic to be working with GO Girls to improve access to support for those diagnosed with the disease. We know from experience that having access to support and accurate, up to date information makes a real difference.”
According to Hilary Maxwell, CEO & Chair of GO Girls:
“Ovarian cancer is still mistakenly known as the ‘silent killer’ and we are seeing worrying high rates of late diagnosis which is delaying treatment and putting lives at risk. Once women finally receive a diagnosis, support is clearly something they look for and need."