In the UK ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women with 4,400 deaths a year. The NHS website has lots of useful information.
Symptoms may be present for an average 12 months before diagnosis. Early diagnosis improves survival so know what to look for.
Watch out for these ovarian cancer symptoms:
- Persistent stomach pain
- Persistent bloating
- Finding it difficult to eat or feeling full quickly
- Needing to wee more often
If you’re regularly experiencing these symptoms on most days talk to your GP.
Other symptoms you may notice include:
- Back pain
- Changes in your bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
- Feeling tired all the time
Individually these symptoms are often due to other conditions e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, early diagnosis is very important so please don’t ignore these symptoms. Talk to your GP who will organise a simple blood test.
Lots more information on ovarian cancer can be found on the Ovarian Cancer Action website ovarian.org.uk
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