WOMEN in Warrington are being warned to look out for symptoms during ovarian cancer awareness month in March.
Persistent stomach pain, increased abdominal size and persistent bloating could all be signs of ovarian cancer, according to Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Gynecological Consultant Mr. Holland.
He said: “These common symptoms alongside needing to urinate more frequently, a change in bowel habits, back pain and extreme fatigue are often confused for less serious and more common conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or the menopause.
“While it is most likely that these symptoms are not ovarian cancer, it is important that anybody experiencing them on most days discusses any concerns with their GP.”
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women but the average GP sees only one case of ovarian cancer every five years. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after the menopause. Cervical screening tests (smear tests) do not help to detect ovarian cancer.
Cancer of the ovary affects around 7,000 women a year in the UK. Knowing the signs could help women seek advice early, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
For further information visit www.ovarian.org.uk.
