Reduce delays in diagnosis of ovarian tumours, report says

MORE than a quarter of women with ovarian cancer make three or more visits to their GP before being referred for tests, campaigners have warned.

The survey of 450 women with the disease found many only received a diagnosis after repeatedly urging their doctor to investigate symptoms, which include feeling full or bloated, irregular bleeding and pain.

Nearly one third of patients waited more than three months from first visiting their GP for the correct diagnosis. And almost one in 10 women waited a year, while the disease was spreading.

The report by Target Ovarian Cancer called for more training and support for GPS, and efforts to boost public awareness in order to improve detection of a disease known as a “silent killer”.

Annwen Jones, chief executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said the research showed progress was not going fast enough. She added: “Although our latest Pathfinder report shows that GP knowledge of ovarian cancer has improved significantly, the data reveals that a lot more can be done to reduce delays in diagnosis.”