On Tuesday 18th March, Terry Jermy MP hosted Target Ovarian Cancer in Parliament – to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
During March, the charity is determined to dispel common misconceptions about the disease at to transform the future for the 7,500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.
Jermy, the Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, was supported by nearly 30 MPs at the event through the morning. Target Ovarian Cancer sparked discussion around parliament on how to raise awareness, highlighting:
- The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer: persistent bloating, abdominal pain, needing to wee more often and feeling full quickly, which four in five women do not know
- Cervical screening does not detect ovarian cancer – which 40% of women wrongly believe
Terry Jermy MP said: “There are 41,000 women living with ovarian cancer, yet there’s limited awareness of the disease. We must improve awareness of symptoms so that women know what to look out for, seek help as early as possible and receive the treatment they need. I was pleased to help to increase awareness, to ensure that women have the information they need to recognise symptoms, and the confidence to see their GP if they are concerned.”
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths amongst women in the UK. With no screening tool, awareness and understanding of the symptoms is imperative to better outcomes.
Jermy concluded, “One in seven women die within two months of an ovarian cancer diagnosis – but we have the power to change this. I was honoured to sponsor Target Ovarian Cancer’s annual photo drop-in session today and provide an opportunity to help raise awareness of the key symptoms of the disease.
“By working together with my fellow MPs, I believe we can further the conversation and help ensure everyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer has the best possible chance of survival.”
Rachel Downing, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “We know that ovarian cancer continues to be overlooked. It was fantastic to have so many MPs join us and help raise vital awareness. Going forward, we need to see continued funded national symptoms campaigns, a shorter diagnostic pathway for ovarian cancer, and a funded national cancer plan to ensure everyone can access the best possible treatment. We look forward to closely working with MPs to ensure we can make necessary change happen.”
Diane Boothby, who is an East of England ovarian cancer campaigner, said: ‘I am delighted that my MP Terry Jermy is working with Target Ovarian Cancer to help raise awareness and sponsoring an event in Parliament to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It is so important that we have the support of Members of Parliament if we want to make a change. Over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK.
“I campaign to make sure as many women as possible know the signs and symptoms to look for, so they feel empowered to contact their GP at the earliest opportunity. This is why I am calling for a government funded awareness campaign.”
ENDS
