Only a third of women would consult a doctor if they experienced persistent bloating, a key symptom of ovarian cancer, according to a survey by Target Ovarian Cancer. The charity warns that the lack of awareness could be costing lives.
The YouGov poll of 1,142 women found that 34% would visit their GP when faced with regular bloating, while half said they would change their diet, such as cutting out gluten or eating probiotic yoghurts. The charity described the awareness level as 'alarmingly low'.
Laura Everley, 38, from Crawley, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014 after experiencing bloating and other symptoms. She initially thought she had irritable bowel syndrome and tried a gluten-free diet before realising it was cancer. 'The idea of cancer hadn't even entered my head,' she said.
NHS England advises anyone who has been bloated most days for three weeks to see a doctor. While bloating can be caused by other conditions, persistent bloating should be checked. Ovarian cancer is more common in women over 55, but this age group is least likely to search symptoms online.
Two-thirds of women with ovarian cancer in the UK are diagnosed after the disease has spread, making treatment harder. Annwen Jones, chief executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: 'A probiotic yoghurt should not be preventing a woman from visiting the GP promptly. If women know the symptoms, lives will be saved.'
