4 out of 5 women in Ireland not confident in noticing a symptom of Ovarian Cancer
- New research from the Irish Network of Gynaecological Oncology highlights lack of awareness of symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- Over 75% of patients present with late-stage disease, partly due to the vagueness of symptoms and the similarity with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Thirty of Ireland’s foremost gynaecological cancer campaigners, researchers and patient advocates come together to highlight BEAT – the symptoms of ovarian cancer
New research commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) has highlighted that 79% of women in Ireland are not confident they would notice a symptom of ovarian cancer.
The research conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes is the first significant research ever done into the state of knowledge in Ireland on ovarian cancer. The research highlights that when it comes to recognising the warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- 94% of those surveyed could not name change/loss of appetite (eating less) as a symptom
- 97% did not recognise frequent trips to bathroom/needing to urinate often (changes in toilet habits) as a symptom
- 57% did not think that changes in bowel habits could be a sign of ovarian cancer
- Only one in two (51%) think persistent pain and bloating are signs of ovarian cancer
Ireland has one of the highest death rates from ovarian cancer in Europe. Approximately 400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Ireland and almost 300 women die every year. Ovarian cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in women in Ireland, after lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.
Early diagnosis can significantly improve survival. 83% of patients diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer are alive 5 years after diagnosis whereas only 16% of patients diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer are alive 5 years after diagnosis.[1]
Ahead of World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th the INGO has launched a campaign to help raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and encourage women to contact their GP if they are worried, as early diagnosis saves lives. The campaign centres around the BEAT symptoms -
- Bloating that is persistent and doesn’t come and go
- Eating less and feeling full more quickly
- Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
- Toilet changes in urination or bowel habits
The clear message is that if you experience any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, you should contact your GP. The campaign also seeks to dispel the myth that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer.
Donal Brennan, Professor for Gynaecological Oncology at UCD and Academic Lead of the UCD Gynaecological Oncology group, the Mater Misericordiae and St Vincent’s University Hospitals, said, “It is important to develop a shared vocabulary with patients to ensure patients understand the BEAT symptoms and we discuss it using appropriate language. Cervical smears are not used to detect ovarian cancer. There are no accurate tests and that is why we want people to be aware of the BEAT symptoms. If the symptoms persist for three weeks or more you must contact your GP. It is also worth checking out www.thisisGO.ie as there is lots of information and very helpful resources there.”
Ovarian cancer survivor Melissa Harris, said, “I have never felt more passionate about anything than the importance of raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. I work as a hairdresser and so many of my clients asked was it found when I had a smear. So many women have symptoms, get a smear and are relieved when it’s okay and push it to the side – it’s scary. And a lot of women think ovarian cancer only affects older women. You need to listen to your body and make sure you’re aware of the BEAT symptoms.”
Dr. Sharon O’Toole, Senior Research Fellow in Trinity College Dublin and Coordinator of the World Ovarian Cancer Day campaign at INGO, said, “Ireland has one of the highest proportions of women diagnosed at an advanced stage (71%), compared with only 13% diagnosed at an early stage. The Irish Network for Gynaecologic Oncology believes in the power of working together to improve women’s lives. There is no screening test for ovarian cancer but we all can be more symptom aware. The symptoms of ovarian cancer can often be confused with irritable bowel syndrome, and we need to get the BEAT message out there so women know that if they experience any of the symptoms for three weeks or more, they should contact their GP.”
Two leading Irish artists have also joined the campaign to help spread the word on the signs of ovarian cancer –
- Artist and fashion designer, Helen Steele, has designed an eye-catching tote bag and postcard using effective repetition of the word BEAT – highlighting our need to constantly repeat the symptoms in order to increase awareness and save lives.
- Poet Laurate for Wexford, Sasha Terfous has written and performed a powerful spoken word piece, entitled BEAT, focussing on the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the experience of a woman’s ovarian cancer diagnosis.
The campaign builds up to May 8th, World Ovarian Cancer Day, when 20 buildings across Ireland will light up in teal, the international campaign colour.
The Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology is a voluntary coordination body and consists of thirty of Ireland’s foremost gynaecological cancer campaigners, researchers, and patient advocates, listed below. The aim of the group is to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers across the island of Ireland. The group participates in two major international events annually: World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th and World Gynaecological Cancer Day on September 20th.
OvaCare, East Galway and Midlands Cancer support and the Emer Casey Foundation are grateful for the support received from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott, Roche, and the Irish Cancer Society towards the World Ovarian Cancer Day campaign. The INGO acknowledge the support of Breakthrough Cancer Research who commissioned the research survey for the campaign.
[1] National Cancer Registry Ireland, 2021