Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board is helping raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this March with the launch of a campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms associated with this cancer. Ovarian of cancer ranks among the most common affecting women, with over 7,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK.
This condition most often affects women after the menopause, typically those over the age of 50. However, younger women can also develop it.
Symptoms to look out for
Look out for the following signs that may indicate something is wrong:
- Feeling constantly bloated
- A swollen tummy
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Needing to wee more often than usual
These symptoms can be tricky to recognise, as they mimic more common issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If the symptoms are frequent, persistent, and unusual for you, book an appointment with your GP.
Get checked by your GP if:
- You’ve felt bloated on most days for three weeks or more
- You have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won’t go away
- You have a family history of related cancers and are worried about your risk
Dr Sunil Hindocha, Medical Director for NHS Lincolnshire ICB said:
“Detecting this disease at an early stage greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term recovery. When diagnosed promptly, many women respond well to available therapies and can go on to lead healthy lives. Unfortunately, many cases are not identified until the cancer has already spread, which can make treatment more complex and reduce the likelihood of a full cure.”
To learn more, visit: Ovarian cancer – NHS.