OVARIAN cancer used to be known as the silent killer because the symptoms are difficult to identify and many women are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread. In March, which is Ovarian Cancer awareness month, Grove House is helping to raise awareness

OVARIAN cancer used to be known as the silent killer because the symptoms are difficult to identify and many women are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread.

In March, which is Ovarian Cancer awareness month, Grove House is helping to raise awareness of what is the fifth most common cancer in women.

It affects almost 7,000 women in the UK every year and if diagnosed and treated in its early stages, survival rates can be as high as 90 per cent.

But the symptoms are not easy to identify and are often similar to those caused by more common yet less serious conditions.

If you experience any of these three symptoms on most days it is important to contact your GP and ask for a view on ovarian cancer. The symptoms are:

l Persistent pelvic and stomach pain;

l Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes;

l Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly.

Occasionally other signs such as urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habit, extreme fatigue or back pain may also be experienced on their own or at the same time as those listed above.

Grove House offers support to women with ovarian cancer from diagnosis and throughout illness. Free counselling is available as well as access to complementary therapies such as massage and Reiki.

Practical support can be given on a weekly basis by coming to the day hospice. Support at Grove House is not prescriptive but tailored to individual needs.

Sue was originally diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004 and went through several months of treatment. She used Grove House to help her stay strong and positive throughout.

She said: "I would certainly recommend anyone with ovarian cancer to give Grove House a call. They have time to talk, they can provide up to date and relevant information, not just about the disease itself but also about the help that is available.

"Getting out and staying positive is important and there is always something going on at the hospice. I found the yoga classes particularly helpful."

If you are worried about cancer phone 01727 731000 or visit www.grove-house.org.uk