An NHS surgeon has listed the signs and symptoms you need to look out for that could indicate cancer. Talking on TikTok on the University of Birmingham account, @unibirmingham, the expert said there is ways to try and find it early.
Sudha Sundar, Professor of Gynae Cancer and NHS Consultant Gynae Cancer Surgeon said that as women go through menopause, their risk of ovarian cancer increases. Because of this, she listed some ‘red flags’ that can help detect ovarian cancer early.
In the video she says: “Over 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year across the globe. We know that 90% of women will survive ovarian cancer if this is diagnosed at an early stage, at stage 1.
“So it is really important that women act on their symptoms. If you are an older woman and you’re having bloating, so your tummy feels really full.
“If you’re feeling quite full when you eat. If you have lots of pressure symptoms on your bladder so you feel like you want to wee more frequently or open your bowels more frequently or you have tummy pain or tummy discomfort that’s new for you, that is persistent, over a month, then please go see your GP.”
The doctor notes that is is vital you do this as your “GP will be able to do some very simple tests like a blood test or an ultrasound and this may help to find out if there is anything suspicious going on with you.”
To summarise her points, you should visit your GP if:
- You experience bloating
- You’re feeling quite full when you eat
- You feel pressure on your bladder
- You need to pee more
- You need to poo more
- You have tummy pain or tummy discomfort that’s new for you and lasts for over a month
What are the other symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer according to the NHS can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
What will happen at my GP appointment?
The examination may involve:
- gently putting a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see inside this area
- pressing on your tummy and inside your vagina, to check for lumps or tender or sore areas
If there are signs of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital. The NHS notes that “this does not definitely mean you have cancer.”
NHS approved ways to get help and support
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Ovacome
Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Target Ovarian cancer
Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Eve Appeal
Information and support for anyone affected by cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulval and womb cancers.
Maggie’s Centres
Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.
Marie Curie
Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.