Almost half of ovarian cancer cases in Yorkshire diagnosed late
Yorkshire Cancer Research is now raising awareness of the signs and symptoms.
An East Yorkshire woman diagnosed with stage two ovarian cancer and says she feels lucky to be alive - is urging others to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Rosalinde Kirkwood from Brandesburton was diagnosed with the disease back in 2008 and has since received the all-clear.
She's been speaking to us as new research reveals almost half of women who develop ovarian cancer in Yorkshire are diagnosed at a late stage when it's more difficult to treat.
In 2013 - of around 550 women in Yorkshire diagnosed with the disease, more than 300 died from the condition.
Rosalinde says symptoms aren't always obvious and told Viking:
"I felt very unwell and went to the doctor and they said I had some gastric problems but this went on for several months. Eventually I had a blood test and was told I had ovarian cancer and at the time I'd never even heard of it.
"I didn't know the symptoms or anything about it and I was fit and healthy so I was very shocked to find out I had the disease.
"The symptoms I had didn't seem to match up with anything ovarian because it is a very bloated stomach and going to the toilet more frequently.
"If you have any of the symptoms which are bloating, going to the toilet and feeling full, go to the doctor as hopefully they will be very sympathetic because they have had lots of information over the last few years and doctors are now more aware of the symptoms."
Kathryn Scott, Head of Research and Innovation at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:
“We know that if a cancer is caught early it tends to be easier to treat and the chance of survival is much higher. However, a large proportion of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at stages 3 and 4, when the tumour may be larger and may have spread to other tissues or organs.
“Unfortunately, early signs of ovarian cancer can be confused with those of other conditions, so it’s really important that women are aware of the symptoms and visit their doctor if they experience anything unusual.”