September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month we want to highlight and make women aware of symptoms that could be a sign of cancer. It is so important not to ignore them and to contact your GP.
There are five gynaecological or women’s cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal, which together affect 22,000 women each year in the UK.
You can find out more about women’s cancers here.
This month we are focusing on the signs and symptoms of ovarian and womb cancers – to raise their profile and support early diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer affects the 2 small organs (ovaries) that store the eggs needed for fertilisation. Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer, but it mostly affects those over 50. Sometimes ovarian cancer can run in families.
There are around 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK each year, that's 21 every day.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include having persistent bloating or a swollen tummy, frequently feeling full quickly after eating or having no appetite, persistent pain in your lower tummy, or needing to pee more urgently or more often than usual.
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, but early diagnosis can mean it is more treatable. This is why if you notice any of these symptoms it is so important that you contact your GP practice.
More information on ovarian cancer can be found here.
Cancer of the womb (uterus) is the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK for women.
There are around 9,700 new womb cancer cases in the UK every year, that's 27 every day. More information about womb cancer can be found here.
The main symptoms include: bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause, heavy periods that are unusual for you, bleeding between your periods, and a change to your vaginal discharge.
If you are worried about any of these symptoms contact your GP practice.
Finding cancer early can make it more treatable. #ClearOnCancer