James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, has met with a local survivor of ovarian cancer during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to learn about raising awareness amongst women of symptoms that are often overlooked.
Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 7000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK. Survival rates are low at 30%, and have changed little in over 20 years. Diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms are ones that most women will experience from time to time, but research shows that when these symptoms are frequent (more than 12 times a month), then ovarian cancer should be considered.
James met up with Southend resident Rosemary Petronis, who was lucky enough to be diagnosed in time for the cancer to be treated at Southend Hospital’s chemotherapy unit. Rosemary has been in remission for 2 years, and has nothing but praise for all of the doctors and nurses in Southend, including her surgeon Mr Rasvi – but she is now working hard to let other local women know about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Rosemary volunteers on Eastwood Ward, Southend Hospital’s excellent gynaecology ward, and at the gynaecology cancer clinic, providing support to women undergoing treatment. She also works with local charity COPES – ‘Cervical, Ovarian, Perineal and Endometrial Cancer Support’ – which meets once a month at the hospital.
Rosemary also works with national charity Ovarian Cancer Action to help raise awareness in Southend and beyond. The charity have dedicated this month of March as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of their Love Women campaign they are encouraging everyone to persuade the women in their lives to take time and listen to their bodies, and be aware of persistent symptoms and what they could possibly be.
James said:
“Rosemary is an inspiration and works very hard for this very important cause. It’s so important that every woman in Southend and Rochford is made aware of the symptoms which occur very frequently, and that they are not afraid to visit their GP to discuss them. I fully support Rosemary and her fellow volunteers’ message and their attempts to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
“When treated early, survival is 95% but often women are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread. I was shocked to realise that most of the symptoms for ovarian cancer are around the tummy area, rather than gynaecological, and that it often takes considerable time before women and their GPs realise something is seriously wrong.”
Survivor and volunteer Rosemary Petronis said:
“I was so lucky that my GP realised I had a serious problem and sent me to hospital immediately. I was diagnosed at the hospital very quickly and operated on two weeks later.
“I had all the symptoms of ovarian cancer, but simply didn't realise what they were. I so desperately want all women to realise a cervical smear test will not detect this awful disease, so we must be aware.
“We are so fortunate to have a wonderful cancer unit at Southend Hospital and a brilliant team of doctors and nurses.
The key symptoms of ovarian cancer, which women should be aware of are:
• Difficulty eating / feeling full
• Tummy pain/pelvic pain
• Increase in urgency and frequency of passing water
• Bloating/increase in tummy size
If these occur more than 12 times a month, then a woman should ask their GP about ovarian cancer.
Other very frequent symptoms can include:
• Unexpected weight loss / unexpected weight gain
• Excessive tiredness
• Indigestion/nausea
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Change in bowel habits
17 March 2008