Herts ovarian cancer survivor to deliver open letter to Downing Street

Catherine Hunt says the Government needs to increase awareness

Author: Henry WinterPublished 22nd Jun 2022

A Hertfordshire woman says the Government must take action on the lack of awareness around the symptoms of ovarian cancer

Catherine Hunt will be delivering an open letter to Downing Street next week calling for more to be done.

She found out she had it in 2019 and believes women are being failed.

"One in seven diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year die within two months after diagnosis. We are being failed. Enough is enough."

"On Tuesday 28 June I am marching to No 10 Downing Street, alongside Target Ovarian Cancer campaigners, to hand in our open letter signed by 20,000 people. Together, we’re demanding the government takes action on the awareness crisis in ovarian cancer.

"For me, ovarian cancer affected my whole body. My right leg bloated due to deep vein thrombosis and a clot on my lung was discovered. I had intense surgery to drain my kidneys and remove the tumour, as well as a total hysterectomy and many other procedures. I then underwent six rounds of chemotherapy."

Catherine also says that early intervention is key.

"Ovarian cancer changed my life, and with no screening in place it is essential that we are all armed with awareness of symptoms. This means the cancer can be found earlier, and outcomes are significantly improved. No one should die because of a late diagnosis."

"Four out of five women cannot name the key symptom of ovarian cancer, bloating. This needs to change."

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