WOMEN are being encouraged to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer as a campaign is launched across the country.

A drop-in session is being held in Stevenage to coincide with the national Be Clear on Cancer campaign.

Medical staff and volunteers who have survived ovarian cancer, will be on hand to talk to members of the public about their concerns and queries.

Aimed primarily at women aged 50 and over, women are advised to see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms on most days for three weeks or more: unexplained bloating, feeling full quickly or loss of appetite, pelvic or stomach pain, or needing to urinate urgently or more frequently than normal.

Dr Phil Sawyer, a Hertfordshire GP, said: “There are more than 5,800 new cases of ovarian cancer in England each year, with the majority of cases occurring after the menopause, to women over the age of 50.

“At the moment, this cancer causes more than 3,350 deaths in England annually but this doesn’t have to be the case. Cancer caught early is easier to treat, which is why it is so important to get possible symptoms checked out quickly.”

The drop-in session takes place at the Herts Women’s Centre, The Hyde, Shephall, from 10am to 4pm on Monday, March 18.