Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
It mainly affects women who have been through the menopause, but it can sometimes affect younger women.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer aren’t always easy to recognise. Symptoms include:
- feeling constantly bloated
- a swollen tummy
- discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
- feeling full quickly when eating
- needing to pee more often than normal
Sadly, my mum died of ovarian cancer when she was just 50 years old.
As March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to help try to raise awareness of this, along with the symptoms and when you should go to your GP if you have any concerns.
According to the NHS website, you should visit your GP if:
- you’ve been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeks
- you have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won’t go away
- you have a family history of ovarian cancer and are worried you may be at a higher risk of getting it
Did you know that 11 women die in the UK every day from ovarian cancer?
In addition, awareness of ovarian cancer is low, both among women and GPs, with two-thirds of women diagnosed once the cancer has already spread.
It’s also shocking to know that research spent on ovarian cancer in the UK has dropped by a third in five years. That’s why Target Ovarian Cancer is saying enough is enough. This March they’re asking you to start making noise so that they can make sure women have the best chances of survival.
There are lots of different things that you can do to help such as rustling up your best bakes, joining the Big Colour Clash and wear your boldest and brightest clothes or take on Challenge 50.
However you choose to help, your fundraising will save lives.
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/
https://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/fundraising/march-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
