Blog Post

Ovarian Cancer

March on. Leave Ovarian Cancer Behind.

March is a time of renewal. The meteorological kick-off for Spring is when we shake off Winter’s cobwebs and look ahead. But March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and for those affected by the disease, and those they leave behind, the month arrives too late. If you’re in the target demographic and not aware of the risk, read on.

But first, cancer.

We’re made up of billions of cells which inevitably become damaged or worn out. When that happens, our bodies naturally replace them by dividing a healthy cell and destroying the old version. Straightforward enough, right?

Kind of. Sometimes, this process goes awry. The new cell divides and multiplies without control and forms a lump. These ‘tumours’ are either non-cancerous (benign) and unlikely to spread to other parts of the body, or cancerous (malignant) and liable to wreak havoc if left untreated.

Ovarian Cancer

The charity Ovarian Cancer Action claims ovarian cancer is the UK’s most deadly gynaecological disease, one that claims 11 women every day and causes 4,100 deaths in the UK every year. One of many statistics Cancer Research UK is looking to improve upon. There are many more: Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in females in the UK, accounting for 5% of all female UK cancer deaths between 2017-2019 and 2% of all UK cancer deaths, females and males combined. That’s a lot.  

You’re at risk! Maybe!

It’s worth remembering that a person’s risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including age – the older you get, the lower the odds; genetics (family history), and exposure to ‘risk factors’. These may be environmental – i.e. your job or where you live, potentially avoidable lifestyle behaviours, or a combination of all these elements.

One in 50 UK females will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime, but 11% of ovarian cancer cases in the UK are preventable. Mortality rates for ovarian cancer in the UK are highest in females aged 85 to 89 (2017-2019) – see previous note about age as a factor in cancer vulnerability.

Ovarian Cancer: common symptoms

It’s also worth noting that – as with many cancers – diagnosis often determines outcomes. That is, the sooner you know, the quicker you act – and the better your chances of a good outcome. So, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below 12 times a month or more, the NHS suggest it’s time to see your GP.

• a swollen tummy or feeling bloated.
• pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis).
• no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating.
• an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often.

Ovarian Cancer Action suggests these symptoms too. Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK offer an early diagnosis database - a useful resource if you understand the data.

What do I do if that’s me?

Quick answer? Get a test. There are plenty of them. It’s a sliding scale where a blood test and a scan come first, but other examinations including an ultrasound scan may be needed. There’s also a CT scan, a needle biopsy, a laparoscopy (looking at your ovaries using a camera on the end of a tube) or a laparotomy (surgery to remove tissue or possibly your ovaries).

If you remember only one thing, make it this.

The bottom line is that if you’re not sure, check. Other factors may cause these symptoms and the solution may be in our online shop. If you’re worried about what the tests may show, get professional support.

Because in Spring, like every other season, it’s not just grass that begins growing.

So, if you are new to us, and want to be part of the Coda story as it unfolds, then call us on 01323 924038. One of our growing pharmacy team will order your medication from your surgery and arrange your next delivery straight to your door. It’s that simple. Alternatively, register here for our prescription delivery service today, or just drop us a line and we’ll be in touch.

You can also register online at www.codapharmacy.co.uk