Ovarian cancer awareness

Lanarkshire MSPS gave their backing to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at an event held at Holyrood.

Meghan Gallacher showed her super-powered support for women with ovarian cancer across Central Scotland at a special event sponsored by Monica Lennon, convenor of the cross-party group on women’s health.

MSPS were given the chance to dress as “teal heroes” to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer at an event organised for this month’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness, which continues to be alarmingly low in Scotland.

Data from Target Ovarian Cancer shows just 23 per cent of women in Scotland would be able to name bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Ms Gallacher said: “Over 4000 women in the UK die of ovarian cancer each year, and awareness of the key symptoms remains too low.

“We must come together and act now to make sure everyone knows what look out for, and that those affected by ovarian cancer face better outcomes.

“That’s why I was delighted to join others and take part in this year’s Teal Hero event with Target Ovarian Cancer to create positive progress.”

More than 7000 women are diagnosed each year in the UK, and over 4000 women lose their lives each year.

Lanarkshire Labour’s Ms Lennon, host of the teal heroes event in Scottish Parliament, said: “I was pleased to host this fantastic event to raise vital awareness of ovarian cancer.

“Nearly 600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Scotland, yet our awareness of the symptoms remains critically low.

“I’m proud to become a Teal Hero alongside many colleagues to make a change for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.”