Spreading the word about ovarian cancer

Tracey Dixon, gynaecology oncology Macmillan clinical nurse specialist, and Audrey Guy, Macmillan admin support, with some of their literature.

The Royal Oldham Hospital gynaecology Macmillan nurses continue to spread the word about the symptoms of ovarian cancer for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Amanda Storey, Tracey Dixon and Julie Dale have joined Target Ovarian Cancer to ‘Start Making Noise’ about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, to help more women be diagnosed earlier and save lives.

Eleven women die every day from ovarian cancer, yet four out of five women in the UK cannot name bloating as a key symptom of the disease.

Target Ovarian Cancer national charity have therefore said, enough is enough - it’s time to TAKE OVAR. 

The charity works to improve early diagnosis, fund life-saving research and provide much-needed support to women with ovarian cancer.

Amanda, gynaecology Macmillan nurse at the Royal Oldham Hospital, said: “The symptoms of ovarian cancer are persistent bloating, feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain and urinary symptoms.

"Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, a change in bowel habits and extreme fatigue.

"Anyone experiencing these symptoms, and they are not normal for them, should see their GP.

“The gynaecology Macmillan nursing team at The Royal Oldham Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary, which are overseen by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, are passionate about raising awareness of gynaecological cancers. 

"In the month of March we will be displaying posters and information in our gynaecology clinics at the Royal Oldham Hospital, North Manchester Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary. 

"We advise that if there is anyone who may be concerned about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, they can contact us on 0161 778 5670.”

The team at Oldham will host a ‘Bake some noise’ cake sale on Monday, March 26, in the gynaecology outpatients at the Royal Oldham Hospital. 

The staff in gynae outpatients will be supplying the cakes and anyone is welcome to attend the event between 10am and 4pm. 

All proceeds will go to the Target Ovarian Cancer charity.