Abena Oppong-Asare MP meets ovarian cancer survivors ahead of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Member of Parliament for Erith Thamesmead and Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, hosted a special virtual event with Target Ovarian Cancer, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity, meeting with Erith and Thamesmead survivors of ovarian cancer to help raise awareness about the disease ahead of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March.
If diagnosed at the earliest stage, 9 in 10 women will survive ovarian cancer. But right now, two thirds of women are diagnosed late. The pandemic has exacerbated existing health inequalities, especially for women. People are worried to see their GP and we’ve seen cancer referrals plummet.
This is a life-threatening problem that needs action from everyone.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Persistent bloating
- Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urinary symptoms
Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, a change in bowel habits and extreme fatigue. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, which are not normal for them, should see their GP.
Participants at the event heard from two inspirational women: Sue, a local resident who has survived ovarian cancer and is campaigning to raise awareness; alongside Della, an ovarian cancer survivor who is campaigning to raise awareness about Black women’s access to healthcare.
Together, they are making sure that more women are being diagnosed early. Read both their stories here: Sue’s story and Della’s story.
Sue, 62, who is an Erith and Thamesmead resident, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2017. Sue met with Abena Oppong-Asare MP last year to share her story and find out what more can be done to raise awareness: “Very little is known about ovarian cancer even though over 7000 women are diagnosed in the UK each year. I want all women to be aware of the symptoms and don’t delay contacting their GP, especially in during the pandemic, as the sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed the better the outlook. For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March, I would like the women of Erith and Thamesmead to spread the word: make your mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends aware of what to look out for.”
Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:
“Tragically, 11 women die every day from ovarian cancer. More women’s lives could be saved if we are more aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. This event helped to demystify the disease and the sense of care and support for one another, even over zoom, was palpable. Please call Target Ovarian Cancer on 0207 923 5470 if you have any questions of need support.”
Watch the event below: