Tackling Ovarian Cancer Inequalities in Cumbria

This partnership will reach local Cumbrian hot-spots and raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer to improve early diagnosis. 

Ovarian cancer is higher than average in most of our region, with prevalence in Cumbria 22% above the national average. 

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “The figures for Cumbria are deeply concerning, with ovarian cancer prevalence in the area at 22 per cent above the national average.

"We know that communities in Cumbria face real challenges. The rural nature of the county means people can be far from services, and symptoms that might seem minor or unrelated can be too easily dismissed or go unchecked.

“Ovarian cancer can be difficult to spot early, and symptoms can be easily attributed to other causes. That combination of factors means that, far too often, diagnosis comes too late. 

"That is why this partnership with the Dianne Oxberry Trust matters so much. By going directly into the communities that need this information most, we hope to make a real difference.

"If we can help more people in Cumbria know what to look out for and feel confident speaking to their GP, we can help save lives." 

Raising Awareness

A team will be heading to Cumbria to raise awareness of the symptoms.

You can visit them at: 

• Keswick Market, Market Square, Keswick, CA12 5BJ, on Thursday, 7th May, between 10am and 4pm. 

• Lakeland, Alexandra Building, Windemere, LA23 1BQ, on Sunday, 10th May, between 10am and 1:30pm. 

• Booths, The Old Station, Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1QA, on Sunday, 10th May, between 1:30pm and 4pm. 

You'll be able to chat about the symptoms and signs, pick up branded items with helpful reminders, and pledge to continue spreading the word with those closest to you too. 

Jo Rosenberg, chair of the Dianne Oxberry Trust, said: “Our charity, like North West Cancer Research, is focused on improving and saving lives right here in our local area. We’re about keeping families together for longer – knowing first-hand the devastating impact ovarian cancer can have on them. 

“We think the unacceptable inequalities in ovarian cancer prevalence and outcomes in Cumbria need to be urgently addressed. We often hear about postcode lotteries in the news, but this is more than just statistics. This is real people’s lives. 

“The reasons for these inequalities are many, and it’s obviously a complex landscape, but if diagnosed in its earliest stages, more than 90 per cent of people with ovarian cancer survive for at least five years. But sadly, many of the symptoms go unnoticed and can lead to a diagnosis being made too late. 

“That’s what happened with my good friend Dianne Oxberry. She was doing a walk for BBC Children in Need in November, felt ill a few weeks later, and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in A&E on New Year’s Eve. She died just ten days later, and as her friends and family, we vowed to make a difference and try and stop others going through the same tragedy with their loved ones that we experienced.” 

Both charities hope that, by raising awareness, more people will feel empowered to listen to their bodies and seek advice from their GP if they’re worried, helping to improve early diagnosis should ovarian cancer be found. 

North West Cancer Research is the only independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding life-saving cancer research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. 

Recognising Symptoms and Taking Action

Key symptoms of ovarian cancer can include peeing more often, an overly bloated feeling, reduced appetite or feeling fuller for longer, and a dull ache in the pelvis or tummy.

Many of the signs and symptoms can be attributed to many other reasons, so don't worry if you are experiencing them, but do listen to your body and see your GP if you notice them occurring. 

To find out how we’re funding research into cancers that affect our region most, click here: https://nwcr.org/what-we-do/

Find out more about the Dianne Oxberry Trust here: https://dianneoxberrytrust.org/