ACTING fast on symptoms of bloating, stomach pain and feeling full quickly can lead to an early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, a study shows. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at a later stage, when survival is at its lowest, and is often thought to show symptoms once advanced. But researchers say that the signs could be occur up to three years before a diagnosis, even if they are subtle.
Their study showed that ‘symptom triggered testing’ can pick up early stage aggressive ovarian cancer in a quarter of those affected. And complete surgical removal of the cancerous tissue was possible in 60 per cent of those diagnosed in this way. Researchers said they hope the findings will raise awareness for more GPs to test for ovarian cancer and encourage women with symptoms to get them checked out.
Read more Health News Shocking statistics have previously revealed that four in five women have no idea that bloating is a sign of ovarian cancer and fail to book a doctor's appointment about it. There is no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK, although a process known as 'symptom triggered testing' was introduced in 2011. Under these guidelines, women who have symptoms such as bloating, bowel changes , appetite changes, or abdominal pain should be prioritised for a blood test and ultrasound.
If the results are abnormal, they should be referred to hospital within two weeks. Most read in News Health However, Professor Sudha Sundar of the Pan Birmingham Gynaecological.