Cancer Awareness Month This month is Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness month and we want to make colleagues aware of these cancers and signpost to any help, information and support that is available. Ovarian cancer
There are around 7,000 women a year diagnosed with ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries), which is on average 20 per day. The most common cancer to start in the ovaries is epithelial cancer, accounting for 85% to 90% of ovarian cancers. There are various types of epithelial cancer ranging from common to rare: Serous cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Mucinous cancer is rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Endometrioid ovarian cancer is the second most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer. It can be linked to endometriosis. Most cases of endometrioid ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an early stage and are low grade. Clear cell is rare. It can be linked to endometriosis. Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms that are similar to other more common and less serious conditions. Below are some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer: A long-lasting bloated or swollen tummy. Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly when you eat. Pain in the lower tummy area or back. Passing urine more often than usual. Passing urine more urgently (feeling like you can’t hold on). Click here for further information. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 65 in the UK. Unfortunately, prostate cancer often grows slowly and symptoms may not develop for many years. Men with early prostate cancer may not have any symptoms, as these only happen when the cancer is large enough to press on the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).
There are different types of prostate cancer: Early prostate cancer (or localised prostate cancer). Locally-advanced prostate cancer. Advanced prostate cancer (or metastatic prostate cancer). The symptoms of benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate and prostate cancer are similar. They can include: Difficulty urinating, for example, a weak flow or having to strain to start peeing. Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night. Feeling like you have not completely emptied your bladder after peeing. An urgent need to pee. Blood in the urine or semen. Rarely, pain when peeing or ejaculating. Click here for further information. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned, it is important to have them checked by your doctor.
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