‘KNOW CANCER WARNING SIGNS’
Concern at lack of knowledge over ovarian symptoms
HUNDREDS OF women’s lives could be saved every year if the signs of ovarian cancer are spotted earlier, an inquiry by MPs has found.
The Government’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Ovarian Cancer has released the results of an investigation into the treatment of the illness, which kills 11 women every day in the UK.
In a report released on World Ovarian Cancer Day, the group makes recommendations including a campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of the illness, improved access to genetic testing and moves to ensure women are diagnosed within the Government’s 28-day target.
The UK’s ovarian cancer survival rates are among the lowest in Europe and fewer than half of women diagnosed with the illness survive five years after diagnosis.
The APPG warned of low levels of awareness of the signs of ovarian cancer. The MPs found that just one in five women were able to name bloating as a key symptom of the disease.
They said more genetic testing could prevent an estimated 15 per cent of all cases of ovarian cancer caused by genetic mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which release tumor-suppressing proteins.
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie announced she had made the decision to have her ovaries removed after discovering she carries a faulty copy of the BRCA1 gene. She also had a double mastectomy for the same reason and her mother Marcheline Bertrand died in January 2007 following an eight-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Labour Shadow Health Minister Sharon Hodgson, who chairs the APPG, said: “This report highlights that progress has been made in recent years, from improved access to diagnostic tests for GPs to new, clearer guidelines for diagnosis.
“But there is still more to do. Alongside my fellow parliamentarians, I will continue to act as a champion for women with ovarian cancer in parliament.
“Together we will work to make sure the recommendations set out in this report are acted on.”
Vice APPG chairman and Conservative MP Lee Rowley said: “It is clear that while there are areas where we are leading the way, we must continue to look and learn, both from other cancers and other countries.
“The cancer strategy for England offers a real opportunity to deliver a step-change in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“Following the publication of our report today, I look forward to learning more from NHS England and Public Health England on their plans for how the cancer strategy will deliver for ovarian cancer.”
Rebecca Rennison, director of public affairs and services at the charity Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “Target Ovarian Cancer works alongside parliamentarians to secure the changes we need in awareness and diagnosis of ovarian cancer so women in the UK have the best possible chance of surviving this disease.
“This report sets out what needs to happen and we look forward to working with parliamentarians on its implementation.”
Rates of ovarian cancer around the world are expected to rise by 55 per cent over the next two decades, according to a study by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
In the UK, the incidence of the illness is forecast to increase by 15 per cent in the same period.
This report highlights that progress has been made. Labour Shadow Health Minister Sharon Hodgson.