Welsh Government called upon to improve awareness of ovarian cancer

The National Assembly for Wales Petitions Committee has called for the Welsh Government to improve public awareness of ovarian cancer.

The committee was responding to a petition calling for a national screening programme for ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Action submitted evidence to the committee recommending that funding would be better spent on a national symptoms public awareness campaign at this time.

The Petitions Committee made several recommendations, including “that the Welsh Government does more to improve public awareness of ovarian cancer, including the common symptoms and when people should seek medical advice…. and seek to raise both general and specific awareness of ovarian cancer over a prolonged period of time”

Alicia Roberts, our Wales Regional Officer said “While we were thrilled to see ovarian cancer being discussed in the National Assembly, we were concerned about the petition’s initial recommendations.There remains no effective screening method for ovarian cancer, which is why research into this disease is so vital.  Ovarian cancer is the UK’s biggest gynaecological killer, killing a woman every two hours. We welcomed the Welsh Government’s recommendation to keep the potential for a national screening programme for ovarian cancer under review and to give consideration to new evidence.”

Ovarian Cancer Action will continue to campaign for better for Welsh ovarian cancer patients, and to take action against this disease.

The National Assembly for Wales Petitions Committee report can be read here.