This afternoon I met with my constituent Linda, who has been given the all clear having had ovarian cancer. Over 7,400 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. In the Thames Valley that equates to 190 women diagnosed each year, but only 29% are diagnosed at an early stage when outcomes will be better.
The four key symptoms of ovarian cancer are persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, loss of appetite and urinary symptoms - although other symptoms can also be a sign, such as fatigue.
Following the meeting I will be working with Linda and the Target Ovarian Cancer charity to call on government and the NHS to improve awareness, deliver a shorter diagnostic pathway for ovarian cancer (including support and training for GPs) and for a plan to ensure everyone can access timely and effective treatment.
