23rd March 2009
RAISING AWARENESS OF THE SILENT KILLER
March is ovarian cancer awareness month which is the ideal time to talk to the team from St John’s hospital to find out more about the disease that is known as the ‘silent killer’.
Ovarian cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in England and Wales and is the fourth most common cancer among women with about 6,900 new cases diagnosed each year. It can be very difficult to diagnose as the symptoms often mimic those of less serious illnesses. The symptoms can include: persistent pelvic and stomach pain; increased stomach size/persistent bloating; difficulty eating and feeling full quickly; needing to wee suddenly and more often; change in bowel habits; excessive tiredness and back pain.
Jane Torble and Fay Munson are clinical nurse specialists in gynaecological cancers. They work closely with Dr Tahir and Mr Partington. Jane said:” Our service has been developing over the last few years. Each year we are seeing more cancer patients. During 2007/08 we saw 80 new cancer patients, 32 of these had ovarian cancer.”
To ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible Dr Yaqoob runs a fast track clinic to see any women with a suspected cancer. During 2007/08 this clinic saw almost 300 patients, not all of whom were diagnosed with a cancer.
Jane adds:” We want to encourage women and their doctors to notice any persistent symptoms and to take action as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is very important with ovarian cancer.”
A 75 year old patient from Chelmsford is one lady who has a lot to thank the team for. She said:” I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer five years ago and at that time knew nothing about the disease. The first thing I noticed was some bleeding and that my clothes were becoming very tight around my middle. It wasn’t until I was referred for a scan that they found my second ovary was just a mass of tumour.
“Before my diagnoses I had led a healthy life. This was my first visit to St John’s hospital since I had my children there several years ago.
“I feel very fortunate to have survived the cancer and am thankful to the whole team at St Johns. I have now been given the all clear and discharged from the hospital, but would advise anyone who has any worries to see their GP. I have opted to go back for an annual check and as ovarian cancer can be hereditary my daughter is also having regular checks.”
Fay Munson runs the high risk screening programme for ovarian cancer.
Fay said:” GP's can refer women onto the screening programme if they have a first degree family member, i.e. mother to daughter, who has had the disease and are over 35 It is open to women who are over 35 and their family history will be examined. This is highly beneficial for detecting the disease very early.”
ENDS
Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948
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