Ahead of World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8, the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) has launched a campaign to help raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to encourage women to contact their GP if they are worried, as early diagnosis saves lives.

The campaign centres around the BEAT symptoms: Bloating that is persistent and doesn’t come and go; Eating less and feeling full more quickly; Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days; Toilet changes in urination or bowel habits.

The clear message is that if you experience any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, you should contact your GP. The campaign also seeks to dispel the myth that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer.

Two leading Irish artists have joined the campaign to help spread the word on the signs of ovarian cancer. Poet Laurate for Wexford, Sasha Terfous who has written and performed a powerful spoken word piece, entitled BEAT, focussing on the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the experience of a woman’s ovarian cancer diagnosis.

And artist and fashion designer, Helen Steele, pictured above, who has designed an eye-catching tote bag and postcard using effective repetition of the word BEAT – highlighting our need to constantly repeat the symptoms to the public in order to increase awareness and save lives.

New research commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (www.isgo.ie) has highlighted that 79 per cent of women in Ireland are not confident they would notice a symptom of ovarian cancer. Ireland has one of the highest death rates from ovarian cancer in Europe. Approximately 400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Ireland and almost 300 women die every year. Early diagnosis can significantly improve survival. 83 per cent of patients diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer are alive five years after diagnosis whereas only 16 per cent of patients diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer are alive five years after diagnosis.

Know the BEAT signs and if you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, you should contact your GP.