90% of women in our region don't know signs of ovarian cancer
A charity says 9 in 10 women in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire don't know all the symptoms
Nine in 10 women do not know all of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, a charity has said.
Ovarian Cancer research says almost a third (32%) know none at all.
Meanwhile, of the 1,000 women polled, many would wait more than a week to seek medical help if they experienced a symptom of ovarian cancer.
This compares to 68% who would seek help within a week if they noticed any signs of breast cancer.
After new figures reveal hundreds of women here are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer when it's too late - there's now calls for more regular screening to help save lives.
Almost 250 women in the East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire are diagnosed with the condition every year - over half of these die of the illness.
A new report argues high risk women are screened every 4 months - it may reduce the chances of being diagnosed before it's too late
Ovarian Cancer Research said that the women polled were more likely to prioritise the health of their pet over their own.
It said that on average, it takes women less than seven days to act on a health concern of a pet but more than twice as long, 15 days, to act on their own.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women. According to NHS Choices, symptoms of the disease include:
:: Feeling bloated most days for three weeks
:: Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
:: Pelvic or stomach pain
:: Needing to urinate urgently or more frequently
:: Changes in bowel habit
:: Extreme fatigue
:: Unexplained weight loss
Katherine Taylor, chief executive of Ovarian Cancer Action said: *As women, we often put the needs of those important to us before our own.*
But in order to look after others, we have to look after ourselves first.
That's why we need to #OvaryAct - we need to know and understand the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer so we can seek help and get treatment as soon as possible.''
Dr Christina Fotopoulou, surgeon and researcher at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, said:
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to pinpoint and are often mistaken for symptoms of less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Regular experience of the following could be a symptom of ovarian cancer. If you're worried, speak to your GP.''