HEALTH AND CARE: Awareness month aims to help women recognise symptoms of ovarian cancer

More than 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK.

Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women.

Recent research shows an alarmingly low awareness of the symptoms among woman.

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer can be:

• Feeling constantly bloated.

• A swollen tummy.

• Discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area.

• Feeling full quickly when eating.

• Needing to urinate more often than normal.

The symptoms aren’t always easy to recognise because they are similar to more common conditions.

If you have been feeling bloated most days for the past three weeks, have a family history of ovarian cancer and are worried you may be at a higher risk of getting it or you have other symptoms from the list above that won’t go away – make an appointment to see your GP.

It’s unlikely you have cancer, but it’s best to check.

Your GP can do some simple tests to see if you might have it.

Find out more at NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

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