Home / Health / Late Diagnosis Plagues UK Ovarian Cancer Care
Late Diagnosis Plagues UK Ovarian Cancer Care
21 Mar
Summary
- 40% of women with ovarian cancer were diagnosed after emergency admission.
- Over 70% of women receive a late diagnosis when disease is advanced.
- UK survival rates lag behind European averages for ovarian cancer.
A critical report on ovarian cancer care in England indicates that approximately 40% of affected women are diagnosed only after an emergency hospital admission. Furthermore, the analysis highlights that over 70% of women receive a diagnosis when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. These late diagnoses contribute to survival rates in the UK lagging behind those in other European countries.
Data from the National Ovarian Cancer Audit, analyzed by Future Health, revealed significant disparities in care. Annual diagnoses approximate 5,700 women, with the majority identified only after the cancer has spread. Experts point to a 'postcode lottery,' where survival rates can differ by nearly 19 points between NHS trusts.
While the government's National Cancer Plan aims for improved five-year survival rates, experts argue that ovarian cancer must be prioritized to prevent it from being overlooked. Report author Richard Sloggett emphasized that prioritizing ovarian cancer diagnosis and survival improvements will be a key indicator of the plan's success.
Symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, feeling full quickly, and increased urination frequency can be vague and easily missed. The Department of Health stated its commitment to improving cancer survival through earlier detection, enhanced treatment, and research, including investments in technology for faster diagnosis and better care.
