24 March 2009
Experts at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are urging women to be more aware of the symptoms and risks of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women and kills 4,500 people per year in the UK alone. Now the fight is on to raise awareness of the disease.
The ovarian cancer awareness campaign, known as Love Women, is running throughout the month of March and has the support of local experts.
Consultant Mike Katesmark leads the gynaecological cancer service for the Trust. He said: "Ovarian cancer kills more women in the UK than all of the other female genital cancers put together, causing the death of thousands of women every year and affecting more than 7,000 women in Britain. In comparison, cervical cancer kills 900 women a year.
"Awareness of this disease is fundamental to recognising the symptoms early on as this has a major impact on our ability to treat it. 60 per cent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer already have the more advanced level of the disease - known as stage three - which means it is a lot harder to treat them and they can often be beyond the chance of a complete cure."
Unfortunately the symptoms can be vague and non-specific, often being mistaken for symptoms of less serious conditions. There can therefore be significant delays before women are sent for an expert opinion.
Mr Katesmark added: "Women most at risk from this disease are aged from their late 40s to mid 60s, and the symptoms, which include: general indigestion and abdominal discomfort, persistent (not monthly) bloating, reduced appetite and a minor change in bowel habit can all be confused with symptoms of the menopause, or bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
"Because of this, I would urge all women in the 'at risk' age group that develop these of symptoms - particularly if there is a family history of the disease - to book an appointment with their GP."
In particular, you should ask your GP whether ovarian cancer should be considered if you experience any of these three symptoms on most days:
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Persistent pelvic and stomach pain
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Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
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Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
Occasionally other symptoms such as urinary infections, changes in bowel habit, extreme fatigue or back pain may also be experienced on their own or at the same time as those listed above.
The Trust runs a dedicated gynaecological cancer service, which works closely with the South West London Cancer Network. Regular diagnostic clinics take place at St Helier Hospital, where screening for vulval, cervical and endometrial (womb) cancer takes place.
A high-quality advice service, The Butterfly Centre operates at Epsom Hospital. Patients diagnosed with cancer can use the centre for a number of reasons, including alternative therapies like massages, acupuncture and relaxation techniques.
