Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in UK women and there are around 40,000 women living with it in the UK. Each year, 7,500 more women receive a diagnosis and currently, only 3 in 10 of those will live beyond 10 years. These are worrying numbers.
That’s why Ovarian Cancer Action created Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2005 the campaign has existed to empower women, raise awareness of symptoms and change the future for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
As we will explain, despite this annual awareness campaign, there is still a lot of misunderstanding around ovarian cancer, the symptoms and diagnosis.
When is ovarian cancer awareness month?
March is ovarian cancer awareness month in the UK. During the month, Ovarian Cancer Action – alongside other UK gynae charities – puts the spotlight on ovarian cancer and asks supporters to help them raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, statistics and stories. Cordell Health is pleased to be one of those supporters – and perhaps your organisation can be too.
Ovarian cancer facts and stats
In addition to the numbers mentioned above:
- Approximately 3,900 to 4,100 women die from ovarian cancer in the UK each year, making it a leading cause of cancer death in women. That’s around 11 women a day.
- Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause, and around 80% of cases are in women over the age of 50, but it can also affect younger women.
- Family history can play a part – approximately 15%–25% of cases are linked to hereditary gene mutations.
- Early diagnosis (Stage 1) offers a 90% survival rate, but only about one-third are diagnosed at stage 1 or 2.
- A common and dangerous misunderstanding is believing that a smear test will detect the disease – something that, according to Ovarian Cancer Action, 1 in 4 women believe.
- Unless we can address current patterns, the numbers diagnosed could increase to 9,400 new cases of ovarian cancer every year by 2040.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, when survival is at its lowest. So, no matter what age you are, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat and the better the chance of survival.
Symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions like IBS. And 90% of women aren’t aware of what the symptoms are – which is perhaps why it takes a visit to A&E to diagnose 40% of cases.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain (that’s the tummy and below).
- Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes. And yet just one in five UK women (21%) can name bloating as one of the main symptoms of ovarian cancer.
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
- Urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual).
- Changes in bowel habits.
- Extreme fatigue (feeling very tired).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
You can find out more about ovarian cancer symptoms in this video from Macmillan.
What employers need to know about ovarian cancer
Employers should be aware that ovarian cancer is a serious disease and sadly, often not spotted until an advanced stage. As the workforce ages, and ovarian cancer mainly affects older women, it is likely that this part of the workforce will be most affected and in need of support.
Employees who report a diagnosis need to be treated with empathy and receive the appropriate support. Employees do not have to tell their employer that they have a diagnosis of ovarian cancer but the more supportive the workplace culture is, it can be hoped that they would feel more comfortable opening up.
There are likely to be periods of absence, possibly surgery and longer term recovery. Side effects can include fatigue, concentration issues due to any chemotherapy and emotional distress. It is highly likely that performance will be affected and additional work for co-workers may be a consequence of this.
What’s more, ovarian cancer is considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, requiring employers to make reasonable adjustments and avoid discriminatory practices. Examples include flexible hours, phased returns, and modified duties. Other workplace changes could include extra breaks, a parking space nearby and all of this managed with support and understanding.
Helping employees adjust and return to work
Whether or not an employee wants to return to work after any treatment is a personal decision. They may feel anxious and not strong enough to commute or just want the security of their home surroundings. However, returning to the workplace and the company of colleagues might be just what they are looking for and act as a boost to mental wellbeing. Work plays an important part in many of our lives and being removed from an enjoyable career can be demoralising.
Should an employee want to return, it can be helpful to call into work ahead of their return or to speak to a colleague about how they want to be treated. Macmillan has more information about returning to work after treatment for cancer.
In conclusion
The numbers of women affected by ovarian cancer, and the projected increases, suggest we need to make better progress towards it being survivable for all women. The way we can do this in the workplace is to drive better awareness of the disease, and in particular the symptoms and the confusion that often surrounds them. And, for those women who do receive a diagnosis, work with them to understand how they want to be treated and assess the adjustments they need to help them to continue to enjoy the support and connection that work offers.
Find out more about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
A number of charities run their own campaigns to support the month and put ovarian cancer in the spotlight. You will find awareness information about the condition, along with ways to support these campaigns in the links below:
https://ovarian.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/get-involved/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
