A Guernsey doctor has shared details about her own personal experiences of ovarian cancer as part of efforts to raise awareness of the symptoms during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Last week, Dr Jo Le Noury was among a group of speakers invited to talk at the UK’s House of Commons.

Alongside Sharon Hodgson MP, Dr Scott Arthur MP, and Professor Sudha Sundar, Dr Le Noury spoke about ovarian cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and the progress being made in researching the disease.

The other speakers discussed the need to improve pathways between primary and secondary care in ovarian cancer diagnosis, among other topics.

Time matters

In the UK, around 7,600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.

Local diagnosis statistics aren’t known but it’s reported that up to 11 women died from ovarian cancer in 2021.

Pictured: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is sharing the message that early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes.

Many women are diagnosed at a late stage, warns Dr Le Noury, with around 3 in 4 women diagnosed at stages 2 to 4, and 4 in 10 diagnosed in an A&E after attending for help with acute pain or other symptoms.

“When a diagnosis comes too late, this can make treatment options more challenging and reduces the chance of a positive outcome,” said Dr Le Noury.

“No one should be diagnosed through emergency care. No one should face delays to treatment. And regional inequality in diagnosis and treatment is not acceptable. 

“We urgently need faster diagnosis and better pathways for all.”

“Ovarian cancer can’t wait.” 

Bright Tights

Dr Le Noury was invited as Chair of Guernsey based charity Bright Tights, which works to support women through the ‘prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and management of all gynecological cancers ‘.

“(Last Monday), The Eve Appeal marked the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at the House of Commons,” explained Dr Le Noury.

“As Chair of Bright Tights and someone with lived experience of ovarian cancer, I was honoured to be able to share my story to help promote early diagnosis and research.

“The attendees ranged from MPs, researchers and women’s health advocates who were enthusiastic and optimistic that things could be better.”

Pictured: Bright tights raise money for Bright Tights.

Bright Tights fundraises to support its work, with one of its biggest events being ‘Bright Tights Day’ which is held annually in November.

Symptoms

The NHS says the key symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

  • Persistent Abdominal Bloating/Swelling: A swollen tummy, feeling bloated, or clothes feeling tighter, often due to fluid buildup (ascites).
  • Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the area between the hips.
  • Early Satiety/Loss of Appetite: Feeling full quickly after eating, even after a light meal, or difficulty eating.
  • Urinary Changes: An urgent or frequent need to urinate. 

Other potential symptoms include:

  • Fatigue: Extreme or persistent tiredness.
  • Bowel Habit Changes: Constipation or diarrhea.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain: Changes in weight, sometimes due to abdominal swelling.
  • Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding/Discharge: Bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle or after menopause.
  • Back or Leg Pain: Unexplained pain in these areas.
  • Acid Reflux: Heartburn or chest pain. 

Pictured top (l to r):  Prof Sundar, Athena Lamnisos, Dr Jo Le Noury, Sharon Hodgson MP, Dr Scott Arthur MP (Bex Clarke Photography).