Women urged to be ovarian cancer aware

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today, on World Ovarian Cancer Day, urging women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and to seek medical help if they experience any of these symptoms.

Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Ovarian cancer is more common in women over the age of 50 and affects around 150 women in Northern Ireland each year, but all too often it is diagnosed late, which has an impact on chances of survival.

“We are calling on women to make themselves familiar with the early symptoms and to see their doctor if they experience any of them. The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a positive outcome.”

The early symptoms to look out for include:

• bloating on most days for three weeks or more;

• persistent pelvic and abdominal pain;

• difficulty eating or feel full quickly;

• needing to pee urgently or more frequently than normal;

• changes in bowel habit;

• extreme fatigue (feeling very tired);

• unexplained weight loss.

Dr McCarthy continued: “If women do experience these symptoms, particularly the feeling of being bloated, it is best to seek advice from their general practitioner.

“Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those seen in more common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, so a patient’s GP may wish to undertake a simple blood test which will help provide more information on the possible underlying condition.

“The PHA and Health and Social Care Board have worked closely with GPs and specialists to implement an agreed management pathway for patients suspected of having ovarian cancer.”

Further information on ovarian cancer is available at www.bit.ly/ovcanadvice

To coincide with World Ovarian Cancer Day, the PHA is today holding a major stakeholder engagement event to discuss how cancer awareness can be improved in Northern Ireland.

Dr McCarthy explained: “Everyone in Northern Ireland will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives, either directly or through family or friends experiencing the illness.

“We are currently developing a campaign which will cover a range of cancers. Today’s stakeholder event will enable us to gather views and information which will help inform this campaign work. We are also undertaking robust research to ensure that our cancer awareness programme will be as effective as possible.”

ENDS