March is the start of Spring, where we all look to step out of the cold, blustery weather into sunnier climes – but it is also very important for another reason. March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year in the UK over 7,000 women are diagnosed with this brutal disease, with　some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer e.g. bloating and abdominal pain being so similar to those seen in more common conditions such as IBS it can be difficult to diagnose. This is why most women are not diagnosed until the disease has spread and sadly, of those 7,000 women diagnosed, 4,200 will die.
Steve Brine said: "These are devastating statistics – and ones that I along with women's cancer charity The Eve Appeal would like to change this March!
"The Eve Appeal have shown in their pioneering research into early detection and prevention that if ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage; more often than not, the prognosis is good. We want to ensure that this continues for women now and of the future – and you can help them do that by spreading awareness of the key signs and symptoms this March.
The key early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are
1) persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
2) increased abdominal size/persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
3) difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
4) urinary symptoms - needing 　to pass water more often than usual
Steve added: "I am absolutely delighted to be backing The Eve Appeal and their awareness campaign this March for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I have previously described this dreadful disease as a 'silent national scandal' and it is so important that we get women (and men too) to discuss the signs and symptoms of this awful disease.
"It could just save a women's life by knowing exactly what to look out for and visiting her GP to get checked out. So please, please do share the signs and symptoms with the women you love this March in aid of The Eve Appeal and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month."
More information ...
To find out more information about The Eve Appeal or ovarian cancer click here
