Everything you need to know about ovarian cancer this Gynaecology Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that 1 in 2 people are rocked by a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime? Every year, 32,200 people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer - that’s 87 people per day. For women, ovarian cancer is the biggest gynaecology killer. But thanks to pioneering research, one Scottish charity is helping to increase the survival rates for those diagnosed with this type of life-changing cancer.
As September is Gynaecology Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke to Worldwide Cancer Research - Scotland’s only cancer research charity - to find out all you need to know about about ovarian cancer, including the symptoms to look our for, the revolutionary drug which is saving lives and the incredible story of a grandmother’s second chance at life.
Ovarian cancer is still known as ‘the silent killer’ because the symptoms are often overlooked. People may be embarrassed to talk about the symptoms, ignore the warning signs or believe they are nothing serious. When diagnosed at its earliest stage, nine out of ten women with ovarian cancer will survive for five years and longer. However, only 33% of the 7,470 new cases per year in the UK are diagnosed at that stage.
So, what do we need to look out for? There’s a common misconception that a smear test will screen for ovarian cancer, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. The main symptoms include: feeling constantly bloated; a swollen stomach; discomfort and pain in the stomach or pelvic area; feeling full quickly when eating; needing to urinate more often than usual; and back pain, changes of bowel habits or extreme tiredness.
These symptoms are very similar to the ones people experience for less serious disorders, such as IBS. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should always speak to your GP - even if you have to make a return visit.
Sandy Tansley with Professor Steve Jackson, who developed the drug that saved her life
Since the charity was founded in 1979, Worldwide Cancer Research’s work has helped double cancer survival rates in the UK. In 1994, Worldwide Cancer Research started funding ground-breaking research by a scientist in Cambridge, Professor Steve Jackson, who developed the life-saving drug, olaparib.
Olaparib has now been used to treat over 5,000 women with ovarian cancer, including 73 year old grandmother Sandy Tansley. In 2002, Sandy endured surgery and countless cycles of gruelling chemotherapy for stage 3 ovarian cancer with no success - and with four tumours spreading to her stomach, the prognosis was not good. Seven years later, being told she had nothing to lose, she was offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial for the new targeted treatment created by Professor Jackson.
By 2011, two years after starting the trial, the tumours in her stomach had completely disappeared. Today, years after being given the all clear, Sandy remains in complete remission and, with the help of Worldwide Cancer Research, finally met with Professor Jackson - the man she says she owes her life to.
In an emotional meeting captured on video by the Scottish charity, Sandy Tansley comes face to face with the man who saved her life.
Now cancer-free, Sandy has moved to New Zealand with her family. She said: “I am just the luckiest person in the world. And I can do anything I like. I've been to New Zealand; I've travelled with my family and we do everything that we want to do – because we can.
“It’s amazing to know that by being part of the trial and having gone through what I did, that other people are going to benefit and have a second chance at life.”
Dr Helen Rippon, CEO at Worldwide Cancer Research added: “Despite being a small charity in Edinburgh, what we lack in size, we make up in ambition. Here at Worldwide Cancer Research, we’re proud to support cancer researchers wherever they may be in the world. Olaparib is a fantastic example of long-term research into experimental drugs and Sandy’s story wouldn’t have been possible without our loyal supporters and for that, we’re eternally grateful.”
Professor Steve Jackson said: “I don’t tend to think of myself as a life-saver, although if I take a step back for a moment and think about what my research has led to, then I guess I am. Without the funding from Worldwide Cancer Research and other cancer charities, this drug simply would not have been developed. The faith that Worldwide Cancer Research put in me all those years ago has the potential to ultimately help millions of people around the world. It is really quite overwhelming to meet Sandy and it’s something I will never forget."
Due to its trailblazing success in treating ovarian cancer, olaparib is now being tested for other cancers, including breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer. Worldwide Cancer Research believe it’s bold research like this that will cure cancer.