MP dons her super hero cape for cancer

The event was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Ovarian Cancer on Wednesday when MPs were given the chance to dress as ‘Teal Heroes’ to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness, which is said to be alarmingly low in the UK. Data supplied to the APPG shows just one in five women can name bloating as one of the key symptoms of the disease.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are: persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes, feeling full or loss of appetite, tummy pain and needing to urinate more often or more urgently

Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, change in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue.

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP to be checked out.

Dr Caroline Johnson MP, said: “Too many women die of ovarian cancer. We all have to act to ensure that more women know the symptoms to look out for, are diagnosed sooner and get the treatment they need. That’s why I was delighted to take part in this year’s Teal Hero event to support women with ovarian cancer and their families.

Annwen Jones, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “It’s been fantastic to see MPs become awareness superheroes. We all know that much more needs to be done to see the improvements in diagnosis and survival that women with ovarian cancer and their families deserve.

“We look forward to working with these MPs to transform the futures of women with ovarian cancer.”

Ovarian cancer can be devastating. Every year 7,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK, and 4,100 women die from the disease.

Target Ovarian Cancer works to raise the profile of ovarian cancer for early diagnosis. Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk to find out more.