Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has welcomed Target Ovarian Cancer’s report on the impact of the Coronavirus crisis on women with ovarian cancer and has put his support behind its recommendations.
Target Ovarian Cancer spoke to 61 women living with ovarian cancer to find out more about the specific challenges faced by the ovarian cancer community.
On the basis of these findings, the charity is calling on governments to act now to make sure ovarian cancer treatment and support can recover:
- A diagnostic recovery plan which includes an awareness campaign to encourage those with ovarian cancer symptoms to contact their GP and a shorter diagnostic with a CA125 blood test and ultrasound carried out at the same time.
- Treatment for ovarian cancer to restart as quickly and safely as possible and for protected treatment sites to be set up where surgery in particular can continue in the event of a second wave.
- Recovery plans to have a focus on support services, particularly psychological support, so that every woman with ovarian cancer has access to care and support.
Andrew Gwynne said:
“My mum died of ovarian cancer when I was just 19, so the fight against this terrible disease is very close to my heart.
“Target Ovarian Cancer’s report is really important in showing the impact that the current crisis has had on the ovarian cancer community and I really hope that the Government takes on board the report’s recommendations.
“I would urge any women who are worried that they might have symptoms of ovarian cancer to visit their GP and get checked out.”
You can find more information and support on ovarian cancer here.