PHA launches ovarian cancer awareness programme
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching an ovarian cancer awareness programme which will see leaflets and posters distributed across Northern Ireland to highlight the signs and symptoms of the illness. The programme is being launched in partnership with Target Ovarian Cancer and Angels of Hope.
Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Cancer of the ovary affects over 150 women each year and is more common in women over the age of 50. Too often it is diagnosed late, when treatment options may be limited. We would like women to be aware of the early symptoms and to see their doctor if these occur. The earlier a woman with ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the more likely she is to have a better outcome.”
If you are over 50, the early symptoms to look out for include:
- persistent bloating for three weeks or more;
- persistent pelvic and abdominal pain;
- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly;
- needing to pee urgently or more frequently than normal;
- changes in bowel habit;
- extreme fatigue (feeling very tired);
- unexplained weight loss.
The leaflets and posters will be distributed to hairdressing salons, bingo halls, pharmacies and GP practices throughout Northern Ireland. They aim to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms, in particular among women over the age of 50, and encourage women to speak to their GP if they experience any of them.
Dr Johnny Browne, a general practitioner and Macmillan GP Adviser, encouraged women to visit their GP if they had symptoms: “Even though most women, at some point, experience bloating for a variety of reasons, persistent bloating, which is defined as bloating that doesn’t come and go and is present for at least three weeks, is a sign that you need to go to see your GP and get ovarian cancer ruled out.
“Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those seen in more common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), therefore a patient’s GP may wish to undertake a simple blood test which helps provide more information on the possible underlying condition.
“If you are worried about symptoms, keep a diary of when they occur and talk to your GP if they don’t clear up. The sooner ovarian cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.”
In producing the leaflets the PHA has worked closely with Target Ovarian Cancer and Angels of Hope, the Northern Ireland charity providing information and support to patients and families affected by ovarian cancer.
Maureen Clarke MBE from Angels of Hope said: “Many women in Northern Ireland are unaware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. We hope these leaflets and posters will help to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and therefore improve survival and quality of life for the women diagnosed every year with ovarian cancer.”
Annwen Jones, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: "We are very pleased to be working with the PHA to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in Northern Ireland. These leaflets and posters will provide a source of vital information and signposting for both women and GPs who are concerned about the symptoms of ovarian cancer so the opportunities to get women diagnosed as quickly as possible are not missed.”
Dr McCarthy, recognising the contribution of parties involved in developing the programme, added: “This work has only been possible because of the generosity of Target Ovarian Cancer in allowing us to adapt their leaflets, and importantly the commitment of patients such as Una Crudden, who has worked tirelessly to improve women’s awareness of ovarian cancer.”
The ovarian cancer leaflets and posters are part of a broader cancer awareness campaign being taken forward by the PHA and due to be formally launched early next year. The campaign will aim to increase awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage people to seek help when they notice any of them.
The ovarian cancer leaflet is available at www.bit.ly/ovarleaflet
The poster is available at www.bit.ly/ovarpost
A video featuring Una Crudden calling on women to read the leaflets and make themselves aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is available here: http://youtu.be/7DAlqhl57YU
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