Women warned of regular bloating

WOMEN could be buying probiotic yoghurts instead of seeking medical health for a key symptom of cancer, a charity has warned.

Persistent bloating is one of the main signs a woman may be suffering from ovarian cancer but a new poll has found some women would be more likely to change their diet than visit their GP.

A survey of 1,142 women on behalf of Target Ovarian Cancer found 50% of UK women would change their diet if they were persistently bloated.

This includes cutting out gluten or dairy, and consuming foods such as probiotic yoghurts or peppermint tea, or go on a diet.

Only 34% said they’d visit a GP if they had concerns about regular bloating.

Previous research by the charity has found only one in five women even know persistent bloating could be a sign of ovarian cancer.

Annwen Jones, chief executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “A probiotic yoghurt should not be preventing a woman from visiting the GP promptly if something is worrying her.

“Women should not be risking their lives because of the enduring awareness gap around the symptoms of ovarian cancer.”

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly and/or a loss of appetite or needing to wee more than usual.