The Who The What The Why

As with many other blogs most of what I have written to date has been self-indulgent drivel primarily acting as an excessively detailed diary for my future enjoyment. There is, however, more to this blog than keeping me occupied through the cold dregs of winter. When Simeon asked me and Ed to run the London Marathon with him I had no knowledge of Ovarian Cancer, highlighting the importance of Target Ovarian’s work in educating people on the disease.

There are 6,800 new cases of Ovarian Cancer in the UK each year, affecting 1 in every 48 women. Catching it early can reduce fatality by up to 90%, this would equate to 6,120 lives saved each year if people where more educated in how to spot the symptoms and ensure that they act on their suspicions. In spite of this awareness of Ovarian Cancer and its indicators amongst those most likely to be affected is negligible and the UK has one of the worst survival rates in Europe. Only 4% of women in the UK understand the symptoms of ovarian cancer with half of all women confusing the disease with cervical cancer.

Ovarian Cancer is most commonly found in woman who have gone through the menopause, primarily affecting the over 50, but is also found in younger woman. Due to confusion of the disease people mistakenly believe a smear test will help detect ovarian cancer and the symptoms can often be confused with more common conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and can therefore be missed by GPs.

Target Ovarian Cancer wants to help women across the UK learn about ovarian cancer and raise awareness of the symptoms¹:

• Feeling full or having difficulty eating on most days
• Persistent tummy pain
• Being bloated or having a swollen tummy on most days

These can all be key symptoms of ovarian cancer, when experienced on most days. If you have any of these symptoms on most days, although likely to be harmless, you should be checked out by a GP. In 1 out of 10 cases ovarian cancer is inherited, so if you only have one relative who has had ovarian cancer it is likely this was just a ‘one off’ case. If you have two or more relatives on the same side of your family you should let your doctor know, so they can decide if you are at increased risk of developing the disease. Why not take the test:

How Target Ovarian helps¹

• GPs: Target Ovarian Cancer (TOC) commissions BMJ Learning, a leading provider of educational resources for health professionals, to develop an online learning module that will radically alter GP’s understanding of ovarian cancer. The module is free for all GPs to access and has gained endorsement from the Royal College of GPs. Over 2000 GPs have already completed the module.
• Pharmacists and women: TOC has been working closely with pharmacy chains including Superdrug, Rowlands and Morrisons to raise awareness of symptoms among pharmacists and women in the general public. Over 100,000 symptoms leaflets have been circulated as part of this campaign.
• Occupational Health professionals: TOC has developed a programme of activity that occupational health professionals can access to update their knowledge and that of their colleagues on ovarian cancer.
• ‘Let’s Talk’ awareness programme: Is for individuals who want to use their experience of ovarian cancer to raise awareness of symptoms. 'Let’s Talk' includes a booklet packed with awareness raising tips and ideas and day courses at venues across the country.

In order for Target Ovarian Cancer to continue its lifesaving work educating people about the symptoms and helping those with Ovarian Cancer please sponsor us by following This Link

¹ Information taken from Target Ovarian Cancer website www.targetovarian.org.uk