Fiona backs ovarian cancer campaign

This week, Fiona signed up to Target Ovarian Cancer's campaign, 'Six Simple Steps', at its launch at the House of Commons,  to raise awareness of the little-known disease which kills thousands of women in the UK each year. The event was attended by women with ovarian cancer and shared their experiences of being diagnosed and treated for the disease in the UK.

Fiona said:  "I had ovarian cancer and while there has been a huge increase in the number of survivors like me in recent years we could improve survival rates further.  It's really important that women know what symptoms to look out for and that health care professionals can provide the expert support that women need."

Chief executive Annwen Jones said: "This is one of the most important events in the campaign to save lives from ovarian cancer. We're delighted that women with ovarian cancer have travelled to Parliament to give it their support.

"Every MP has been given a personalised pledge card and we're inviting them to sign up in support of our 'Six Simple Steps' campaign.

"We have had excellent feedback from all who attended and believe that this interest will be converted into firm support from MPs for our aims."

The 'Six Simple Steps' are:

• ensure studies examining why UK survival rates are so low in comparison to others are completed and remedial action taken
• improve awareness of symptoms amongst women and health professionals
• ensure all GPs have access to urgent diagnostic tests
• ensure all women have access to a clinical nurse specialist
• improve levels of emotional support available to women, and
• ensure women have equitable access to clinical trials and new treatments.

MPs and their constituents heard from John Baron MP, chair of the all party parliamentary group on cancer.

He said: ""The newly-elected Parliament has a critical role to play in ensuring women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed quickly and treated successfully. I therefore support Target Ovarian Cancer's campaign on this issue."

6,800 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and only 30 percent will survive five years after diagnosis. The survival rate has not improved in the last 30 years, unlike breast cancer which has increased from 50 to 80 percent over the same period. At present three-quarters of women are diagnosed with late-stage cancer, which means it has already spread.

For further information about ovarian cancer symptoms or about the campaign, visit www.targetovarian.org.uk or call 020 7923 5470.