March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM) and Martin Whitfield MSP is backing The Eve Appeal’s bid to close the diagnosis gap and support ovarian cancer research.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women, yet awareness of the signs and symptoms is low. Evidence suggests that low symptoms awareness leads to a later diagnosis, and worse outcomes.
The Eve Appeal is seeking to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, address the inequalities and ‘postcode lottery’ highlighted in the national ovarian cancer audit and ensure that the prevention and early diagnosis of the rare cancers, including ovarian cancer, is embedded in NHS plans across the UK.Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women, yet awareness of the signs and symptoms remains low. Evidence shows that low awareness of symptoms leads to a later diagnosis, and worse outcomes.
“The number of women diagnosed at an early stage varies between 21% – 62% depending on their location in the UK.
“I agree that more must be done to reduce inequalities and get rid of the ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to ovarian cancer. That is why I’m pleased to support the Eve Appeal in its campaign for urgent action on this issue.”
Find out more on the Eve Appeal’s website.