Asian women urged to recognise symptoms of ovarian cancer
Asian women in the North West are being urged to recognise the signs of ovarian cancer The campaign has been specifically designed to increase awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and encourage South Asian women to see their doctor if they spot any signs.
The possible symptoms include: unexplained bloating; feeling full quickly or loss of appetite; pelvic or stomach pain; needing to pee urgently or more frequently than normal; changes in bowel habit; feeling very tired or extreme fatigue; and unexplained weight loss.
Although South Asian women have a lower incidence of ovarian cancer than white women in England,this campaign aims to overcome cultural and religious barriers that may prevent women from presenting to their doctors straightaway.
Currently, women in the region have low awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. New survey data shows that almost all (97 per cent) don’t link feeling bloated most days for three weeks or more with ovarian cancer.
Latest figures show that 854 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the North West in 2011. The same year, 461 women died of the disease in the region.
Finding ovarian cancer early makes it more treatable.
More than 90 per cent of women diagnosed with the earliest stage of ovarian cancer survive for at least five years. This figure drops sharply to around five per cent for women diagnosed at the most advanced stage.
Around 500 lives could be saved in England each year if women were diagnosed earlier.
Only 14 per cent of women in the North West would go to their doctor as their first port of call, if they felt bloated most days for three weeks or more.
Professor Usha Menon, Head of the Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre and Institute of Women’s Health, said, “It is incredibly important for South Asian women to be aware of ovarian cancer symptoms. The earlier the disease is diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin and the better the chances of survival. The message to the women in the North West is clear – if you feel bloated, most days, for three weeks or more, tell your doctor.”
Of those diagnosed, more than eight in 10 new cases of ovarian cancer are in women aged 50 and over – making this age group a priority for the campaign. Worryingly, women within this age bracket in the North West are unaware that the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age – almost half (47 per cent) think women of all ages are equally likely to get ovarian cancer. Less than a fifth (16 per cent) know they are most at risk.
The five-week campaign, which starts today, will see adverts running on TV, radio and in the press in the North West television region. There will also be face-to-face events taking place in public places, including shopping centres in the region.
Source: Asian Image
Published: 12 Feb 2014
Category: Top Story
