Most women unaware of ovarian cancer symptoms, say Irish researchers

Almost 80 per cent of women in Ireland do not feel confident they would recognise a symptom of ovarian cancer, new research commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology has found.

The survey, conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes, is the first significant research ever done in Ireland assessing women’s knowledge and beliefs regarding ovarian cancer, highlighting that:

• 94 per cent of those surveyed could not name change/loss of appetite as a symptom
• 97 per cent did not recognise frequent trips to bathroom as a symptom
• 57 per cent did recognise changes in bowel habits as a symptom
• 51 per cent were able to recognise persistent pain and bloating as signs of ovarian cancer

Ireland has one of the highest death rates from ovarian cancer in Europe. Around 400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and almost 300 lose their life.

However, early diagnosis can significantly improve survival, say researchers.

Up to 83 per cent of patients diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer are alive five years after diagnosis compared to only 16 per cent of patients diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer.

The INGO has launched a campaign to help raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and encourage women to seek treatment.

The campaign centres around the BEAT symptoms – bloating, eating less, abdominal pain and toilet changes – and seeks to dispel the myth that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer.

Donal Brennan, Professor for Gynaecological Oncology at UCD and academic lead of the UCD gynaecological oncology group, the Mater Misericordiae and St Vincent’s University Hospitals, said: “It is important to develop a shared vocabulary with patients to ensure patients understand the BEAT symptoms and we discuss it using appropriate language.

“Cervical smears are not used to detect ovarian cancer. There are no accurate tests and that is why we want people to be aware of the BEAT symptoms. If the symptoms persist for three weeks or more you must contact your GP.”

Dr Sharon O’Toole, senior research fellow in Trinity College Dublin, said: “Ireland has one of the highest proportions of women diagnosed at an advanced stage (71 per cent), compared with only 13 per cent diagnosed at an early stage.

“There is no screening test for ovarian cancer but we all can be more symptom aware.

“We need to get the BEAT message out there so women know that if they experience any of the symptoms for three weeks or more, they should contact their GP.”

Melissa Harris, an ovarian cancer survivor,  said: “I have never felt more passionate about anything than the importance of raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. I work as a hairdresser and so many of my clients asked was it found when I had a smear.

“So many women have symptoms, get a smear and are relieved when it’s okay and push it to the side – it’s scary. And a lot of women think ovarian cancer only affects older women.

“You need to listen to your body and make sure you’re aware of the BEAT symptoms.”