Author: Tracey McAlpine Category: Health, Cancer, Women's Health
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Now for some good news about cancer!

According to a report out today (Tues 20 Nov) by the National Cancer Intelligence Network, the rates of women dying from ovarian cancer in England has fallen by 20% in the last decade.

The report also highlighted that the number of women surviving for at least five years following diagnosis has increased from 33% to 44%.

Almost 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK every year but it can be very hard to diagnose as some of the symptoms can be similar to other less serious conditions. Treatment is generally more successful if diagnosed at an earlier stage in the development of the disease so awareness of signs and symptoms amongst patients and GPs is paramount.

Awareness campaigns by The Eve Appeal and other charities are thought to have had an impact on these improved survival statistics.

Robert Marsh, CEO of The Eve Appeal gynaecological cancer research charity says “This is encouraging news.  There is still a long way to go, especially if we are to catch up with the best survival statistics in other European countries, but we are delighted that our work in raising awareness is proving to have an effect.”

The report also highlighted that the chance of surviving the disease varies widely between ages. For women in the 15-39 age group, 84% survived the disease for at least five years compared with only 14% of those aged over 85 at the time of diagnosis.

Marsh continues “The figures for the older age group remain a concern so our advice to women of all ages is to get to know signs and symptoms information and to visit their GP if they have any concerns at all.”

Check the signs and symptoms at The Eve Appeal