On 18 March, MPs attended a special event hosted by the charity Target Ovarian Cancer to raise awareness of ovarian cancer’s signs and symptoms.
Throughout March, the charity aims to dispel common misconceptions about ovarian cancer and transform the future for the 7,500 women diagnosed with the disease each year.
With MPs’ support, Target Ovarian Cancer sparked discussions around Parliament, highlighting:
– The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer: persistent bloating, abdominal pain, needing to wee more often, and feeling full quickly—symptoms four in five women do not recognise.
– That cervical screening does not detect ovarian cancer—a misconception held by 40% of women.
Attending the event, Alex Easton MP said: “There are 41,000 women living with ovarian cancer, yet awareness of the disease remains limited. We must improve symptom awareness so women can recognise warning signs, seek help early, and receive the necessary treatment. I was pleased to participate today and help increase awareness to ensure women have the information they need to act confidently and promptly.”
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths among women in the UK. Without a screening tool, symptom awareness is essential for better outcomes.
Terry Jermy MP, who sponsored the event in Westminster, said: “One in seven women die within two months of an ovarian cancer diagnosis—but we have the power to change this. It was an honour to sponsor Target Ovarian Cancer’s annual event today, helping raise awareness of the key symptoms. Working together, MPs can further this conversation and support better outcomes for those diagnosed.”
Rachel Downing, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “Ovarian cancer continues to be overlooked. It was fantastic to have MPs join us to raise vital awareness. We need ongoing funded national symptoms campaigns, shorter diagnostic pathways, and a national cancer plan to ensure access to the best treatments. We look forward to working closely with MPs to achieve these goals.”
Target Ovarian Cancer calls for national symptom awareness campaigns, improved diagnostic pathways, and better treatment access. Learn more and support their work at: www.targetovariancancer.org.uk.
Join Target Ovarian Cancer during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by downloading their awareness toolkit: https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/get-involved/raise-awareness.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
