Macmillan charity raises awareness of ovarian disease (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Macmillan charity raises awareness of ovarian disease

4:03pm Monday 8th March 2010 in

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The symptoms of ovarian cancer are being highlighted by a leading charity in West Yorkshire as part of an annual awareness-raising drive.

During ovarian cancer awareness month, Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging women to go to their doctor if they notice any symptoms associated with the disease.

About 6,600 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. It is most common in women aged 50 and above.

Symptoms can include persistent pelvic and abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen and bloating.

Beverly Hurst, Macmillan gynaecology clinical nurse specialist, based at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said: “It is important that if you develop any of these symptoms and they occur on a regular basis, you get them checked by your doctor.

“The earlier any cancer is diagnosed, the greater chance there is of survival.”

Women should also tell their doctor if there are two or more cases of ovarian or breast cancer in their family as ovarian cancer can sometimes run in families.

Macmillan’s online assessment tool OPERA (Online Personal Education and Risk Assessment) gives personalised information of someone’s risk of inherited breast and ovarian cancer.

Macmillan regional director, Maureen Rutter, said: “OPERA can provide reassurance to people who are worried about their family history of cancer. It also signposts users to where they can go to get further advice.”

To find out more about ovarian cancer and OPERA, visit macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 0000.

e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk

What to look out for:

• loss of appetite or difficulty eating and feeling full

• persistent vague indigestion, nausea, excessive gas (wind) and a bloated, full feeling

• unexplained changes in weight and swelling in the abdomen

• pain in the lower abdomen or back

• changes in bowel or bladder habits

• pain during sex

• abnormal vaginal bleeding, although this is rare.

The causes of ovarian cancer are not yet completely understood.