Majority Of Women Unaware Of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Survey Finds

Monday, 8 May 2023 11:48

By Caoimhe Harney

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in Ireland

Four out of five women do not know what symptoms of ovarian cancer to look out for, according to a survey commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (ISGO).

The survey of 522 women was carried out by the Behaviour and Attitudes research company on behalf of the ISGO.

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women here with around 400 cases diagnosed every year and 300 women dying from it every year.

A senior researcher at Trinity College Dublin who is working on ovarian research Dr Sharon O'Toole said one of the difficulties of diagnosing ovarian cancer is that it is often confused with digestive issues.

She advised that if any women have BEAT symptoms - bloating, eating difficulties, abdominal pain, toilet changes – for more than three weeks, they should see their GP.

Senior Research Fellow in Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Sharon O’Toole says there's no screening for ovarian cancer in Ireland at present:

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.