Ovarian Cancer Awareness in Lincolnshire – what you told us
What we set out to achieve
NHS Lincolnshire ICB ran an engagement survey to understand how aware people in Lincolnshire are of ovarian cancer, including symptoms, attitudes to seeking help, and barriers to early diagnosis.
The engagement aimed to identify gaps in awareness, beliefs and behaviours, and to understand how and where awareness campaigns would have the greatest impact. The feedback is being used to shape a public ovarian cancer awareness campaign that supports earlier recognition of symptoms and encourages timely help seeking.
What we did
The survey was available to complete between 23 October and 27 November 2025 and received 378 responses.
To maximise reach and ensure accessibility, the survey was promoted and shared through a range of channels:
• Featured in 3 NHS Lincolnshire ICB engagement bulletins and 2 Primary Care bulletins
• 4 posts on the Nextdoor platform, reaching communities across 471 neighbourhoods in Lincolnshire
• Shared through provider member databases, staff networks and partner organisations
• Promoted on the NHS Lincolnshire ICB website and partner websites
• 4 Facebook posts, reaching 10,316 people and generating 163 engagements
• 75 people visited the campaign webpage
The survey was also available in alternative formats on request.
What you told us
Awareness and understanding
• 100% of respondents had heard of ovarian cancer, but knowledge was limited
• Just over half felt they knew only a little, while one third said they did not know very much
• Awareness of symptoms varied, with pelvic or abdominal pain, lasting bloating and fatigue most commonly recognised
Attitudes and beliefs
• Over half felt ovarian cancer was as serious as other cancers, while 43% believed it is more serious
• Fewer than half were confident that ovarian cancer can be detected early, with a large proportion unsure
• The biggest perceived barriers to early diagnosis were:
– Normalising or minimising symptoms
– Lack of symptom awareness
– Misdiagnosis or delayed referrals
Help seeking behaviour
• Two thirds of respondents had previously delayed seeking help for worrying symptoms
• While most said they would seek help if symptoms were persistent, almost one in three said they would be unlikely to contact their GP
• Barriers included embarrassment, competing life pressures, difficulty accessing GP appointments and fear of being dismissed
Campaign messages and delivery
• Respondents said they would be most likely to engage with campaigns through:
– Online and social media
– Television
– GP surgeries, hospitals, workplaces and colleges
• The most effective content was felt to be:
– Clear symptom checklists
– Personal stories and lived experiences
– Short educational videos
• People wanted clear, simple messages, reassurance about being taken seriously, and information about what would happen if they contacted their GP
The difference it’s made
The feedback has provided a clear understanding of where awareness gaps exist and what is preventing people from recognising symptoms and seeking help.
This insight is shaping:
• The key messages used in the ovarian cancer awareness campaign
• The tone and style of messaging to avoid fear mongering while still emphasising urgency
• The channels and formats used to reach different communities
• Campaign materials that focus on reassurance, clarity and empowerment
What’s next?
The findings have been used to develop and deliver a targeted ovarian cancer awareness campaign across Lincolnshire, informed directly by what residents told us.
The campaign is focussing on improving symptom recognition, addressing common misconceptions, encouraging timely help seeking and building confidence in accessing healthcare services.