Local MP, Caroline Nokes, has shown her super support for women with ovarian cancer across Romsey and Southampton North.
Yesterday (Wednesday 1 March) MPs were given the chance to dress as ‘Teal Heroes’ to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer at a special event hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Ovarian Cancer and Target Ovarian Cancer.
Teal is the colour for ovarian cancer awareness, which continues to be alarmingly low in the UK. Although persistent bloating is one of the key symptoms of the disease, a new survey from Target Ovarian Cancer, which provides the secretariat for the APPG, shows that only one in three (34%) women in the UK would contact their GP if they started to feel bloated regularly.
Caroline said: “11 women die every day in the UK from ovarian cancer, and yet awareness of its key symptoms remains low. I was delighted to take part in this year’s Teal Heroes event with Target Ovarian Cancer to pledge my support and help raise awareness. We must act now to ensure that everyone knows what to look out for, to make a lasting change for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.”
Sharon Hodgson MP, Chair of the APPG on Ovarian Cancer, said: “Together with Target Ovarian Cancer, we stand together to amplify the voices of those whose lives have been affected by ovarian cancer. Teal Heroes is just one small way we can make a difference and raise the profile of this devastating disease. By joining forces with my fellow Teal Heroes in parliament today, I believe we can get the nation talking about ovarian cancer."
Rachel Downing, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Target Ovarian Cancer said: “It was great to be back in Westminster today with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ovarian Cancer to see our Teal Heroes in action. We know that more needs to be done to ensure that everyone knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer and events like today are so important in continuing to raise awareness.
“We look forward to continuing conversations with MPs, and inviting them to stand with our community, to fast forward improvements in ovarian cancer and help people affected to live well and survive.”
Over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK, and over 4,000 women lose their lives. Early diagnosis saves lives. Target Ovarian Cancer works closely with GPs who are at the heart of this, to help them diagnose ovarian cancer faster and earlier – giving everyone the best chance of living.
Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk to find out more.
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