Advice Centre

There are more than 7,500 women in U.K. who are diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and sadly, this cancer is one of the 6 most common cancers in women in U.K.

The awareness month seeks to raise awareness of this disease and to educate us all.

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries.

Symptoms of Ovarian cancer include

• persistent stomach pain
• a feeling of bloating
• difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• frequent urination
• back pain
• change in bowel habits
• fatigue

Some of these symptoms can be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts or even polycystic ovary syndrome but if you or a someone you know have these symptoms it is best to see the G.P. without delay. This cancer is treatable if caught early.

Events will be organised by charities supporting those with ovarian cancer such as the Ovarian cancer charity. This could be walking in memory of a lost loved one; raising funds for research and support for cancer victims and their families; raising awareness to give patients a voice and educating people so that they or someone they know will seek help from a medical professional.

Additional help and information can be found at https://ovarian.org.uk/ and https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer.

What next? if you or a loved one have some of these symptoms do not be put off by the Covid-19 pandemic, consult your G.P. as G.P. surgeries and the NHS are open for patients. They can still see patients through video or telephone consultation.

If the G.P. thinks the symptoms warrant investigation they may carry out a CA125 test, this is a blood test to check if the protein in the blood is elevated. They may refer the patient for an ultrasound or may make a referral to a gynaecologist/ gynaecologist oncologist who may undertake exploratory surgery. If cancer is found the doctors may remove the cancerous tissues or anything growing around the ovaries.  Sometimes this involves removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes or even certain parts of the pelvic region.  There is some excellent information here – https://ovarian.org.uk/ovarian-cancer/faqs/

As we approach the Ovarian Cancer awareness month especially given where we are with the pandemic it is important we all play our part to raise awareness of this cancer which if detected early can be treated.  We can help to reduce the number of women who die from this cancer.

Source:

• Ovarian cancer UK
• Cancer Research UK

How can we help you?

If you or your loved one have suffered due to medical negligence and would like an informal chat with our medical negligence team please give us a call on 0330 107 0107 or contact us by email at clinicalnegligence@imd.co.uk and a member of our team will be more than happy to arrange a call back for a free no obligation and informal chat to see if we can help you or even signpost you as to what your options might be.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.