North West Cancer Research urges early action with Ovarian Cancer awareness campaign

“Ovarian cancer isn’t as silent as you think” – new regional campaign encourages women to listen to their bodies.

North West Cancer Research has launched a new campaign urging women across the region to recognise and respond to the early signs of ovarian cancer.

The Listen To Your Body campaign, launched today (Tuesday 29 April), aims to raise awareness of the common yet often overlooked symptoms of ovarian cancer and encourage earlier medical intervention. Symptoms such as persistent bloating, changes in appetite, abdominal pain, and an urgent need to urinate can all be indicators of the disease.

Ovarian cancer incidence in the North West is significantly higher than the national average, with current data showing:

• Cumbria: 41% higher
• Merseyside: 26% higher
• Cheshire: 19% higher
• Lancashire: 17% higher
• Greater Manchester: 2% higher

The campaign features the voice of women like Katherine McBride, 55, from Preston, who was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in July 2023. Katherine initially dismissed her symptoms—exhaustion, back pain, and bloating—as menopause-related, delaying her visit to a GP.

She shared:

“My first grandchild had just been born when I received the news, and it was devastating. Like many women, I put my own health aside. I now realise how important it is to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, seek medical advice. It could save your life.”

Healthcare professionals are echoing that message. Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist Nick Wood of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed or ignored in its early stages. Recognising the signs and acting early is vital to improving treatment outcomes.”

Ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries and is most common in women over 50. However, early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The four most common symptoms to watch for include:

• Persistent bloating or a swollen tummy (12+ times per month)
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently

Additional symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, and post-menopausal bleeding.

North West Cancer Research CEO Alastair Richards emphasised the region’s particular challenges:

“Deprivation across many North West communities contributes to higher cancer rates. Our mission is to tackle these disparities through research, awareness, and early diagnosis initiatives like this campaign.”

The charity continues to fund vital research and education initiatives to address the specific cancer needs of the North West, aiming to improve outcomes through earlier detection and better treatment access.

For more information on the Listen To Your Body campaign and full details of ovarian cancer symptoms, visit the North West Cancer Research website.

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