MSP’s cancer lesson

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, has been finding out about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and how women across West Lothian can learn details which will help save lives.

Around 600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Scotland every year, and 360 lose their lives to the disease, but awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is alarmingly low, leaving women without the knowledge that could save lives.

The charity, Target Ovarian Cancer, has launched its Pathfinder Scotland report, which found that, 17 per cent could name bloating as a major symptom of ovarian cancer; 36 per cent of women visit their GP three or more times before being referred for ovarian cancer tests; one in three women (31 per cent) wrongly assumes that cervical screening also detects ovarian cancer.

Scotland leads the way in ovarian cancer diagnosis and care in the UK but awareness of the symptoms is still low. Knowing the symptoms could save lives – being diagnosed at the earliest stage of ovarian cancer doubles a woman’s chances of survival.

Angela Constance MSP said: “I was really pleased to be at the launch of the Pathfinder Scotland report which will help to ensure that all women in West Lothian and Scotland with ovarian cancer get the care, support and new treatments that are needed, so that women’s lives are transformed, now and in the future.

“The website targetovariancancer.org.uk has loads of information and support to help women with ovarian cancer and I’d encourage everyone to find out more.

“Being diagnosed at the earliest stage doubles a woman’s chances of survival so it’s vital that we know the symptoms.”