Salford residents are being encouraged to check for symptoms this March for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
The awareness is being raised, and used to combat the challenges of ovarian cancer with over 7,000 women being diagnosed every year.
The problem is raised with two thirds of women being diagnosed with ovarian cancer when it is too late and becomes harder to treat.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month started in the UK in 2005, and was used to empower women, raise awareness of symptoms and change the future for women diagnosed.
Throughout the month, women are being encouraged to check for symptoms with the NHS to get check when experiencing persistent symptoms that include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, as well as difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
Symptoms also include changes in urinary habits, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss or gain.
And residents who have had previous experience with breast cancer are at risk of developing ovarian cancer, alongside bowel cancer patients, people with endometriosis and diabetes, smokers, and those that have never taken hormonal contraception (the pill or implant).
It’s also still possible to get ovarian cancer even if you’ve had your ovaries removed, as the cancer can also affect your fallopian tubes.
For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Sean, 19 who sadly lost his Nan in 2010 to ovarian cancer, shared the impact and loss on his family.
“It’s weird, I just remember the house being quiet, my entire family kind of just dulled down a bit.”
At the age of five, he was aware of the impact that losing his Nan had on his family, and especially his mum throughout the treatment.
“It’s strange looking back, because now I’m so aware of what was happening at that time.”
Sean continued: “When it was happening my Nan kind of tried to make it more of a game for me, letting me play with her wigs and such.”
If something feels off with your body, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
You might also experience:
→ Back pain
→ Changes in bowel habits
→ Unexplained weight loss
→ Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
→ Extreme tiredness pic.twitter.com/9xg7WwtTbs— Ovarian Cancer Action (@OvarianCancerUK) November 6, 2024
The van was visited MediaCity, Eccles, and Walkden, and was used in memory of the late BBC weather presenter Dianne Oxberry.
The Dianne Oxberry Trust was created in 2019 by BBC broadcaster late Dianne Oxberry’s husband after her passing from ovarian cancer in the January of 2019.
Since the formation of the trust, they have been able to support vital research and support initiatives to help others diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The Dianne Oxberry Trust continues their awareness spreading in Dianne’s memory, with fundraising activities, ‘Spread the WORD’ campaign, and an information tour roadshow.
And although the “This Van Can” project visited Salford locations earlier in the month, there will also be a chance for residents in Salford to check for symptoms and receive treatments and positive outcomes sooner.
The project will run from approximately 10am until 6pm Monday to Saturday April 5, 2025, and will visit all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester.
Anyone can turn up to visits and get information with no appointments needed – more information can be found here.
Recent Comments