Why raise awareness
Recent research from the US shows that many women with ovarian cancer have known but struggled to get acknowledged. Ovarian cancer is not a silent killer – to calling it silent leads to complacency and inaction not only by women, but also their health professionals. We must not be complacent as the UK has amongst the worst survival rates in the developed world.
Researchers demonstrated that almost all women (90%) experience symptoms, even in early stage disease, when survival rates can be as high as 95%.1 Yet in this country, three out of every four women are only diagnosed with ovarian cancer, once it has spread significantly, when survival rates fall dramatically.
Ovarian cancer screening is a difficult subject, as current tools are not specific or accurate enough for widespread use. Women often mistakenly believe it will be detected by a cervical smear. We are still years away from conclusive and useful answers on national screening. Until there's a test, awareness is best.
For details of 'What every woman should know about ovarian cancer' please click here.
What does Ovarian cancer action do to raise awareness?
Many women with ovarian cancer are passionate about improved awareness, in the hope that earlier diagnosis will impact on successful treatment, as with other cancers. We share this passion, and work with women to tell their stories and experiences.
Ovarian cancer action has been a continuous driving force behind the creation of ovarian cancer awareness month each March. The media has been invaluable in helping Ovarian cancer action raise awareness, funds and communicate important messages about symptoms.
During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Ovarian cancer action secured quality coverage on BBC online and in key print media with a focus on women’s health including: The Sunday Express magazine, S, Good Housekeeping, Grazia, and the Daily Mail.
It is important to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and funds to support our work beyond March - so watch this space for further information on our how the media is helping us to communicate with the public.
1 Frequency of Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer in Women Presenting to Primary Care Clinics: Goff, B., Mandel, L., Melancon, C., Muntz, H. (Journal of the American Medical Association, June 9, 2004)