‘Women need to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer’ – McKevitt

SDLP South Down MLA Karen McKevitt says she wants to create greater awareness of the symptoms associated with Ovarian cancer in order to increase survival rates.

Speaking to Newry Times, Karen said it is imperative that all women, young and old, are educated on the signs of ovarian cancer so that we can increase the early diagnosis rate and save lives.

“Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women but surprisingly it has transpired that many women do not know what symptoms to look out for and this must be corrected.

“March is Ovarian Cancer awareness month and in advance of this awareness drive I have requested a meeting with the Minister for Health to discuss how his department can promote awareness, increase early diagnosis and improve treatment to ensure that as many women as possible survive this illness.

McKevitt added, “The symptoms for ovarian cancer as detailed on the National Trust Website is persistent pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size or persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes), difficulty eating and feeling full quickly.

“If these symptoms are present it is best to make an appointment with your GP. Greater awareness means great survival rates.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=28656

Posted by Emma Taylor on Feb 22 2013. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry