They held a reception at the Houses of Parliament (Tuesday October 20 2009) to launch the charity’s Remember the Symptoms campaign.
It calls on MPs and candidates to become Ovarian Cancer Action Champions, to improve women’s chances of surviving the disease by committing to raise awareness of the symptoms of the ovarian cancer and supporting the charity’s awareness and research work.
The evening reception followed a day of awareness activities at the Houses of Parliament, which aimed to ensure that ovarian cancer is a priority for all political parties. Through the Remember the Symptoms campaign, Ovarian Cancer Action aims to ensure that every woman in the UK knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer and takes action to combat the disease. The most common symptoms women should be aware of are increased abdominal size and persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes, persistent pelvic and abdominal pain; and/or difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
Steve Brine commented; “My grandmother died of Ovarian Cancer and it hit me hard at the time; still does if I am honest. Currently, only 38 per cent of women with the disease survive five years beyond diagnosis. This is largely because women are typically diagnosed after it has spread beyond the ovary, when survival rates fall dramatically. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, survival rates can be as high as 90 per cent.
"Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do experience symptoms, even in early stage disease, but these symptoms are often confused for less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. In the absence of a national screening programme, it is hoped greater awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer amongst women and healthcare professionals will provide women with the best chance of detecting the disease early.”
For more information on Ovarian Cancer Action and advice on symptoms to spot, call 020 8238 7605 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk
Pictured; Steve Brine in Parliament with Sam Gibson of Ovarian Cancer Action.