Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has marked Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month by joining Target Ovarian Cancer in calling for a shorter diagnostic pathway to be introduced for Ovarian Cancer.
Around 3,500 women die of ovarian cancer each year in England. The earlier a woman is diagnosed, the greater her chances of survival. Right now, however, two thirds of women are diagnosed late when the cancer is harder to treat.
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed using a CA125 blood test, followed by an ultrasound if the levels of CA125 are raised. In Scotland, these tests happen at the same time, allowing women to be diagnosed faster. This is not the case in England, and Target Ovarian Cancer are calling for this to be changed.
Gwynne has long supported the work of Target Ovarian Cancer, and last year supported the charity’s report on the impact of the Coronavirus crisis on women with ovarian cancer. In February of this year, Gwynne backed a new guide from the Eve Appeal which seeks to explain gene alterations and genetic testing for ovarian cancer patients so that they have the information and support they need after their diagnosis.
Commenting on the campaign, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I lost my Mum to Ovarian Cancer when I was 19, so this cause is incredibly close to my heart.
Ovarian Cancer is a devastating disease, and catching it early is key to giving women the best chance of survival. By enacting this simple reform to diagnostic pathway, we can increase the speed by which the cancer is found, and potentially save lives.
I look forward to continuing to raise awareness of the work that Target Ovarian Cancer do, and hope the Government will take urgent action to implement the calls of this campaign.”
To find out more about the Target Ovarian Cancer campaign click here.
