Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (March)

Posted on March 8th, 2018

This month is ovarian cancer awareness month. This type of cancer mainly affects women post-menopause, however the cause is unclear. 21% of cases are linked to major lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and obesity.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are also present in other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can make diagnosis difficult. 

• Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating
• Difficulty eating/feeling full
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Constipation
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Pelvic/abdominal pain
• Needing to urinate more often/more urgently
• Weight gain
• Tiredness

Statistics

• There are approximately 4,000 deaths from ovarian cancer each year, which means roughly 11 women each day.
• Two thirds of women are only diagnosed in the late stages, when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
• Ovarian was the sixth most common cancer for females in the UK (2015).
• There are approximately 7,300 new cases of ovarian cancer in the UK each year.

Sources:

http://ocam.org.uk/symptoms-of-ovarian-cancer/

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ovarian-cancer

https://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/fundraising/march-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month

http://stpaulsjh.net/wp-content/uploads/september-is-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month-invictus-fitness-ovarian-cancer-symbol-pictures.png

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/nwcrc/cancer-in-the-north-west/

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx67wzq7N2QIVA8-yCh3-rwCCEAAYASACEgI8cvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds