Thursday, 2 September 2010

beware of your ovaries!

Not that I have that problem any more - had the beastly things removed. I just have the aftershocks to deal  with. Not too bad! But in the US it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, and here's why you need to be aware:

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer in the UK and affects over 6,800 women a year.

Cervical screening tests [smear tests] - DO NOT detect ovarian cancer, only cervical cancer.

Awareness of ovarian cancer is very low. Only 16% of women surveyed in 2007 were aware of ovarian cancer. Two-thirds were not able to cite any symptoms of ovarian cancer or said they did not know or were not able to mention any risks associated with ovarian cancer.

See below for the signs of ovarian cancer - or here for more detailed information

Bear in mind that it is the frequency, persistency, severity and new onset of these symptoms that may help to differentiate between those who are experiencing symptoms related to ovarian cancer and those who are not. Listen to your body, and ASK your GP if you are at all concerned.

And spread the word girls. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the outcome is good!



  1. Hi Sandhy -
    Love your blog! Its ovarian cancer month here in the US and I'm wondering if there's a way Navigating Cancer can highlight your posts. Can you send me a message? Thanks so much!

  2. thank you! maybe in the 'Share Experiences' bit you could post blogs? I will message you next week! :o)

  3. Hi Sandhy,
    I'm over from SITS at today. I'm so pleased to read this on your blog. It's so important to educate people on the signs of different cancers and encouraging people to ask their GP if they are not sure. We often need reminders to listen to our bodies and what they are telling us!

    I'm so proud of you for sharing your story in the hope that it'll help others - there are so many great blogs doing this it's so heart warming.

    Your attitude us amazing. In terms of have a sense of humour which grows with each chemo session, I totally get that. My Mum had bowel cancer and we found that we had to laugh – the options were to laugh or cry and our family went down the laugh road.

    I’m sure our family’s great sense of humour comes from realising that it’s always better to laugh than cry!

    Good luck with the rest of your journey and telling your story.

    Have a lovely day,

  4. Saying hi from SITS! I am very aware of ovarian cancer because one of my best friend's mom is successfully fighting it for many years now. But it was tough going for a while. I am late for my annual check-up and you're motivating me to pick up the phone and make my appt.

    Besides the "BEAT" signs, is there a regular test we can have?

    You are an inspiration -- I would be hard-pressed to have the fabulous attitude that you have. Keep on fighting and laughing.

