By Gillian Ellison

Last updated at 12:11, Thursday, 12 April 2012

HEALTH experts are urging women to be aware of ovarian cancer – known as the silent killer as symptoms can be difficult to recognise.

It comes as part of national Ovarian Cancer Month as data shows early diagnosis can prevent deaths from the disease.

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death amongst UK women with more than 4,400 deaths per year. In Cumbria 147 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 2002-2006. UK survival rates are among the lowest in Europe. Cumbria is currently below the national average.

Of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Cumbria between 2002-2006, 39 per cent survived the following five years. Early diagnosis is key to improving survival, if the UK could match the best European survival rates up to 500 women every year could be saved nationally.

The main symptoms are persistent pelvic and abdominal pain; increased abdominal size/persistent bloating; difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous.

Other symptoms, such as back pain and needing to pass urine more urgently and frequently than normal, may be the result of other conditions in the pelvic area. They are probably not ovarian cancer, but may be present in some women with the disease.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, deputy director of public health at NHS Cumbria, said: “The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment is. Knowing more about our bodies and what the early warning signs for cancer are is crucial if we are going to beat cancer.

“Bear in mind that ovarian cancer is rare in women under 40 years old. If you regularly have any of these symptoms, talk to your GP. It's unlikely that they are being caused by a serious problem, but it's best to be checked.”

First published at 11:58, Thursday, 12 April 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk