March is ovarian cancer awareness month
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death to women in the UK. Unfortunately, approximately 7,500 new diagnoses are made every year, which is around 21 every day and it does not appear to be decreasing. Ovarian cancer is cancer in the ovaries, which usually affects women over the age of 50. It is still possible to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer if you have had your ovaries removed, as it can also affect your fallopian tubes, or the lining of your tummy.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Unfortunately, the symptoms of ovarian cancer is not always obvious and it is common for this type of cancer to be diagnosed later, which can lead to less treatment options being available.
Early diagnosis is very important and therefore it is crucial know the symptoms, which are as follows:
- Feeling bloated, or a swollen tummy.
- No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating.
- An urgent need to urinate or are urinating more frequently.
- Pain or tenderness in your tummy, or in the pelvis area.
- Pain in your back.
- Feeling tired.
- Losing weight without trying
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Indigestion
Causes of ovarian cancer
The risk of a women being diagnosed with ovarian cancer rises with age. In the UK, more than half of all cases are women aged 65 and over. You could have a higher chance of getting the disease if you:
- Have had breast or bowel cancer.
- Inherited a faulty gene (BRCA or those linked to Lynch syndrome).
- Have had radiotherapy treatment for a previous cancer.
- Have endometriosis, or diabetes.
- Have never used any hormone contraception, such as the pill or an implant.
- Started your period young, or went through menopause late (over 55), or have not had a baby.
- Are overweight.
Medical negligence claims and ovarian cancer
Unfortunately, it is common for symptoms to be noticed, but medical professionals to not provide the correct tests and this can sometimes be due to someone not fitting the “correct age range” for a particular type of cancer. We have found time and time again that medical professionals have not acted quickly enough, which has resulted in someone being diagnosed too late. It is a fast-growing type of cancer, which can go from a stage 1 to stage 4 in as little as a year.
Our medical negligence specialists have a wealth of knowledge and experience of bringing cases for misdiagnosis or late diagnosis, which has left the patient in a worse position, needing additional surgery, or has been fatal.
Call 0333 888 0404 or email us at [email protected]
