Residents urged to check for symptoms for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Salford residents are being encouraged to check for symptoms for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 

The awareness is being used to combat the challenges of ovarian cancer with more than  7,000 women being diagnosed every year.

Two thirds of women are still being diagnosed with ovarian cancer when it is too late and becomes harder to treat.

Women are being encouraged to check for 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.

Anyone who has had breast cancer is at risk of developing ovarian cancer, alongside bowel cancer patients, people with endometriosis and diabetes, smokers, and those who have never taken hormonal contraception (the pill or implant).

Even women whose ovaries have been removed can suffer as the cancer can also affect fallopian tubes.

Sean, 19, whose Nan died in 2010 of ovarian cancer, said: “It’s weird, I just remember the house being quiet, my entire family kind of just dulled down a bit.”

Even at the age of five, he was aware of the impact that losing his Nan had on his family, and especially his mum.

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 This Van Can project has visited MediaCity, Eccles and Walkden, and is touting the rest of Greater Manchester until April.

The van is funded by the Dianne Oxberry Trust created in 2019 by the husband of the BBC weather presenter who died of ovarian cancer in January 2019.

It supports vital research and supports initiatives to help others diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Anyone can turn up to get information with no appointments needed – more information can be found here.