Ovarian Cancer
Diagnosis
Around 250 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Kent and Medway every year. Data from 2022, shows more than half, 60 per cent of cases, were diagnosed at a late stage.
Campaign
Our ‘let’s talk about ovarian cancer’ campaign is part of our work to increase earlier diagnosis and treat cancer sooner. It aims to encourage women to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to contact their GP practice if they are concerned.
Posters, postcards and symptom diaries
Following a number of focus groups with women in Kent and Medway in 2023, our earlier diagnosis team has developed materials to raise awareness about the signs of ovarian cancer and encourage conversations.
Know the symptoms
Main symptoms are:
- persistent bloating or a swollen tummy
- reduced appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- pain or tenderness in your tummy or pelvis (the area between the hips)
- urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often).
These will be:
- frequent – they will usually happen more than 12 times per month
- persistent – they don’t go away
- new – they’re not normal for you.
There are many other (non-cancer) causes for these symptoms but if you are concerned, it’s best to get them checked out.
Finding ovarian cancer early can mean it’s more treatable.
Have the conversation. Contact your GP practice.
