In Northern Ireland, approximately 180 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, and 120 women lose their lives each year. When a woman is diagnosed at the earliest stage, her chance of surviving ovarian cancer for five years of more doubles from just 46 per cent to more than 90 per cent, and knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can save lives.

Bloated feeling
Persistent swollen abdomen
Trapped wind
Pain or dragging sensation in your lower abdomen or side
Vague indigestion or nausea
Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
Changes in your bowel or bladder habits. For example, constipation or needing to pass water urgently
Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss and extreme fatigue.

The challenge is a chance to spread a very important message: knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can save lives. In NI we do not have a dedicated support network for those effected by the disease. Most women and their family have to deal with the diagnoses in isolation. Most do not know anyone else with the disease and this can make coping with it even more difficult.

By giving you will help us provide a support network for women and their families and support research into this terrible disease.