Campaign targets cancer symptoms

NHS Doncaster said newly-compiled figures showed that 90 women had died from ovarian cancer between 2006 and 2010, sparking concern among doctors over a lack of knowledge.

GPs said the most obvious sign of ovarian cancer was a feeling of “persistent bloating” for more than three weeks, and urged women suffering such symptoms to visit a surgery as soon as possible.

Dr Gillian Harding, NHS Doncaster’s cancer lead, said: “It is very important for women to be aware of ovarian cancer symptoms. The earlier the disease is diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin and the better the chances of survival.

“My message to Doncaster women is clear – if you feel bloated, most days, for three weeks or more, tell your doctor.”

Around 5,800 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in England each year, with the majority over the age of 50.

If diagnosed at the earliest stage, more than 90 per cent of women are alive five years after diagnosis compared with around five per cent diagnosed at the most advanced stage.

The disease claims around 3,500 lives in England each year.