Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Sabrina Jillah
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March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Not many people are aware of this type of cancer, yet it is the fifth most common cancer among women, so it is especially important to spread awareness.
The main issue is that diagnosis mostly happens after the cancer has already spread - making treatment more difficult, and leading to the UK having the worst survival rates in Europe. This can change if there is more awareness, and if there are improvements in detection, treatment and ultimately survival.
Ovarian Cancer Month Header.jpg

The main type of ovarian cancer is called epithelial ovarian cancer. Although the exact cause is not known, there are certain things that increase the risk of developing it - including getting older, family history, being overweight, being tall, using talcum powder between the legs, and smoking. Over 8 in 10 cases occur in women who have gone through the menopause. You can read more details on the risk factors here.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are quite vague and can be mistaken for general illness. The difference is if the symptoms are new, quite severe and don’t come and go. If you have any of the symptoms below happening on most days for 3 weeks or more, please visit your GP.

Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (cancer is completely inside the ovary)

-          Pain in the lower abdomen or side
-          Bloated, full feeling in the abdomen

Stage 2 and 3 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (tumour is growing in the area between hip bones)

-          Irregular periods or vaginal bleeding after menopause
-          Lower tummy (abdominal) pain
-          Back pain
-          Passing urine more often than usual
-          Constipation
-          Pain during sex
-          A swollen abdomen
-          Feeling of fullness or loss of appetite

Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (cancer has spread to a distant body organ)

-          Loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
-          Feeling or being sick
-          Constipation
-          Tiredness
-          Shortness of breath
-          Noticeable swelling of the abdomen

The campaign for this year’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is called #StartMakingNoise – so please share this with your loved ones. Shout about the symptoms. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Ovarian Cancer Infographic

Brought to you by Union Insurance Services who provide Female Cancer Cover.

Sources: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/ovarian-cancer/about/ovarian-cancer-symptoms
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/ovarian-cancer/about/ovarian-cancer-risks-and-causes

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