Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, has welcomed the work done by ovarian cancer charities during ovarian cancer awareness month. One in 50 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime making ovarian cancer the sixth most common cancer amongst women in the UK. Very little has changed for ovarian cancer survival despite so much progress being made for other health conditions. Deaths from ovarian cancer have decreased less than 2% since 1970 whereas, over the same time period, deaths from lung cancer and heart diseases have halved and have gone down by 40% for breast cancer. Furthermore studies suggest that 90% of women do not know the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Emma said: “Over 7,300 women are sadly diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK and the devastating reality of the disease is that 4,100 will unfortunately lose their battle. That equates to 11 women a day. My mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 4 years ago. We did not spot the symptoms to begin with. Luckily she started treatment early enough and has made a full recovery.

“March is ovarian cancer awareness month and I wanted to thank everyone who has held tea parties and other events to raise funds for and awareness of ovarian cancer.

“More needs to be done to raise awareness of the symptoms, such as a swollen belly, feeling full quickly or loss of appetite. It is concerning that 9 out of 10 women might not recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer. I am calling on the government to support a national awareness campaign. Early diagnosis is essential. When a woman is diagnosed at the earliest stage, her chance of surviving ovarian cancer for five years or more doubles from just 46 per cent to more than 90 per cent.

“The government also needs to do more to ensure that all women with ovarian cancer get the support and care that they need, regardless of where they live.”

If you, or anyone in your family is concerned about ovarian cancer or would simply like to find out more information, you can visit their website http://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/march-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month

March 2017