North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has shown his super-powered support for women with ovarian cancer across North Wales at a special event on Ovarian Cancer.
MSs were given the chance to dress as ‘teal heroes’ to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer at an event organised for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March.
Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness, which continues to be alarmingly low in Wales. Data from Target Ovarian Cancer, shows just 27 per cent of women in Wales would be able to name bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Persistent bloated tummy
- Always feeling full
- Tummy pain
- Needing to wee more often or more urgently
Mr Isherwood said:
“Over 4,000 women in the UK die of ovarian cancer each year, and awareness of the key symptoms remains too low. We must come together and act now to make sure everyone knows what to look out for, and that those affected by ovarian cancer face better outcomes. That’s why I was delighted to join others and take part in this year’s Teal Hero event with Target Ovarian Cancer to create positive progress.
“Over 300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Wales, and we need to see vital improvement in awareness to change these statistics – we all have a part to play. Together with fantastic charities like Target Ovarian Cancer, we can create the change we so urgently need.”
Alexandra Holden, Deputy Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said:
“It’s been brilliant to see MSs become awareness superheroes today. We know that much more needs to be done to increase awareness of ovarian cancer and save lives. It is so important that we continue to come together at events like this to work to transform the future of ovarian cancer. We look forward to continuing to work with these MSs to make improvements in diagnosis and survival that women with ovarian cancer and their families deserve.”
Over 7,000 women are diagnosed each year in the UK, and over 4,000 women lose their lives each year. Target Ovarian Cancer works to raise the profile of ovarian cancer, spread the word about the symptoms, and train GPs in early diagnosis. Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk to find out more.
ENDS
Picture Caption: North Wales MS Mark Isherwood at the Cancer Awareness Month event.
Notes to editors:
For more information contact Target Ovarian Cancer’s Press Office on [email protected] or 020 7923 5476
Target Ovarian Cancer is urging the public to sign open letters to governments across the UK and tell them what is needed to combat the crisis: dedicated symptoms awareness campaigns across the UK so we can finally make progress in people's knowledge of the symptoms.
targetovariancancer.org.uk/openletter
Target Ovarian Cancer is the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity. We work to improve early diagnosis, fund life-saving research and provide much-needed support to women with ovarian cancer.
www.targetovariancancer.org.uk
Twitter: @TargetOvarian / Facebook: TargetOvarianCancer / YouTube: TargetOvarianCancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are frequent (they usually happen more than 12 times a month) and persistent, and include:
• Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating
• Difficulty eating/feeling full
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Needing to wee more urgently or more often
Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, change in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP. It is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem, but it is important to be checked out.
Target Ovarian Cancer is asking all editors not to use the term ‘silent killer’, as it merely reinforces perceptions that the symptoms of ovarian cancer can’t be spotted until later stages. We want to increase early diagnosis, in order to save lives, and therefore need to change these perceptions.
Target Ovarian Cancer is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (No. 6619981). Registered office: 2 Angel Gate, London, EC1V 2PT. Registered charity numbers 1125038 (England and Wales) and SCO42920 (Scotland).