Wolverhampton hospital calls for better screening for ovarian cancer
It's over fears there's not enough awareness of the symptoms.
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
Specialists in Wolverhampton are calling for more accurate ovarian cancer screening over fears there's not enough awareness of the symptoms.
Staff at New Cross Hospital have been holding events including at Molineux to improve knowledge around what people can look out for.
March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and due to the symptoms of ovarian cancer being vague and having no screening for ovarian cancer, specialists say raising awareness is vital.
Ovarian cancer accounts for around 7,500 cases per year with 21 being diagnosed daily and is the sixth most common cancer in the UK.
According to Cancer Research UK, there could be around 9,400 new cases of ovarian cancer every year in the UK by 2038-2040, so raising awareness will enable women to spot the symptoms earlier.
Sandeep Gosall, Gynae-oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, is hoping their efforts will enable women to spot the symptoms earlier.
"The main issue with ovarian cancer is that there's no screening.
"That's not because no one's thought about it, it's also not just an issue in the West Midlands - it's national."
In the UK, there are around 7,500 cases per year. Specialists say prevention is key. If something feels unusual, talk to your GP.
- Recognise the BEAT symptoms of ovarian cancer: Bloating, Eating difficulty, Abdominal Pain, Toilet Changes.
- A simple blood test or ultrasound scan could rule ovarian cancer out.
- Ovarian cancer survival has almost doubled in the last 50 years in the UK.
- Local and national support groups are available for those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Please speak up.