Ovarian Cancer - What to look for

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovacome, the ovarian cancer support network has teamed up with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in an effort to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.

I hadn't appreciated that 6500 women are diagnosed every year with ovarian cancer. Because it is hard to detect and diagnose, in 75% of cases the cancer has spread by the time it is diagnosed.

Ovarian cancer is hard to detect because its signs and symptoms are similar to other more common and less serious conditions such as IBS.

The three most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating of the abdomen which does NOT come and go
• Eating less and feeling fuller
• Abdominal and pelvic pain most days
• Tell your GP

These symptoms form the basis of the ovarian cancer BEAT campaign. In addition, some women may also experience

• urinary frequency or urgency
• changes in bowel habits
• extreme fatigue
• unexplained weight loss

Women over 50 who have not had children are most at risk, as are those using HRT and those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Many women have not heard of ovarian cancer or believe it can be detected during a cervical smear. It can't and in fact there is no screening programme for ovarian cancer.
However, weith early detection, it can be treated with very good outcomes.

If you are worried at all about your symptoms or want more information about ovarianc cancer and its early detection, consider asking your pharmacist for advice, speak to your doctor or contact the Ovacome support line on 0845 371 0554

Ask Your Pharmacist - we might even know the answer!

This week is "Ask Your Pharmacist" week.

So far this week, I have been asked a number of questions I wasn't expecting:

"Do you sell shoelaces?"

"Can you tell me how to get to Telford College?"

"Where do you keep your men's combs?"

Nothing will, however top the question I was asked when I worked in a supermarket pharmacy some years ago by a harassed shopper on Christmas Eve: "Do you stock turkeys?"!

But seriously....I have also been asked to show a patient how to use their asthma inhaler, I have been asked for advice on stopping smoking and losing weight. I have answered numerous questions about flu vaccinations and I have helped a lady who was "in a fankle" with her medication.

The idea behind "Ask Your Pharmacist" is to shift the focus from seeing your local pharmacy as a place for just getting your prescriptions dispensed to a centre for advice and information about general health and well being as well as medicines advice. The week is organised by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) who do a brilliant job of promoting and supporting the work of community pharmacy across the UK.

You might be surprised by the range and depth of knowledge available free of charge and without an appointment at your local pharmacy.

So go on: Ask Your Pharmacist - they might even know the answer!!

PS: We didn't have any turkeys or shoe laces. but we did have men's combs and we could help you find the local college!