Brave Amanda takes steps to help women beat ovarian cancer

A Fife woman is bravely raising awareness of ovarian cancer by taking part in a major event in Edinburgh next month.

Amanda Brogan, 47, who lives in Dunfermline, was diagnosed with the disease last year.

She is taking part in the Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run in Holyrood Park on September 29 to highlight the symptoms of the illness.

She said: “Before I was diagnosed, I had no idea of the signs I should have been looking out for.

“I want to make sure other women are aware of the symptoms because lives can be saved by early diagnosis.

“We can spread the word together by signing up for the Ovarian Cancer Walk.”

On average, 11 women die every day from ovarian cancer but only 1% of women in Scotland can name a key symptom of the disease.

Awareness of the four main symptoms of ovarian cancer – a bloated tummy, feeling full, tummy pain and needing to urinate more – is alarmingly low across the UK, leaving women without crucial knowledge that could save lives.

Susan Booth, from the Target Ovarian Cancer charity, said: “We’ve been campaigning for awareness for 10 years now, more recently with our TAKE OVAR campaign.

“The Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run will be an incredible day for families and friends to get together to change the future for women with ovarian cancer.

“Awareness is alarmingly low across the UK and it’s time to take over and save lives.”

To register for the Edinburgh event, visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/Walk or search ‘Target Ovarian Cancer Walk’ online.

Amanda with her husband Paul.