According to new research from the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO), two in three women do not feel confident in identifying the signs of ovarian cancer.
This follows the #NoWomanLeftBehind campaign, promoting the urgent need for all women to have the access, knowledge, support and resources to recognise ovarian cancer symptoms and seek the proper care and treatment quickly.
The Irish Cancer Society’s Director of Clinical Affairs, Amy Nolan says;
“Only 29% of women in Ireland are confident they would recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer – resulting in their delay to seek care. 75% of patients present with late-stage disease, often because symptoms are vague or are similar to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome”.
Ireland has one of the highest rates of ovarian cancer mortality in Europe, it is one of the most challenging cancers to detect early with the majority of patients presenting with end stage disease. There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer in Ireland, making symptom awareness vital.
The research shared by INGO suggests there are significant gaps in awareness surrounding ovarian cancer symptoms and detection. The research shows that less than one in three women (29%) feel confident in identifying the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and only 2% are aware of the BEAT acronym for the key symptoms to watch out for.
Of those who were aware of BEAT, 86% recognise abdominal and pelvic pain as a symptom, 67% recognise persistent bloating, 64% recognise toilet changes and just 32% of women recognise eating less and feeling more full as a symptom of ovarian cancer.
INGO’s research also shows that about 19% of women believe that Cervicalcheck screens for all gynaecological cancers, this is however not the case and further emphasises the need for symptom awareness.
Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women in Ireland, around 400 women are diagnosed and almost 300 women die of ovarian cancer in the Republic of Ireland each year. Approximately 200 women are diagnosed and 120 women die of ovarian cancer in Northern Ireland annually. The majority of these cases are in women over 50.
To become aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, The BEAT acronym recommended by INGO stands for:
B: Bloating that is persistent and doesn’t come and go.
E: Eating less and feeling full more quickly.
A: Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days.
T: Toilet changes in urination or bowel habits.
INGO urges women to look out for the BEAT symptoms and seek medical care if they notice any persistent signs or changes.
