Economic Empowerment
Environmental Sustainability
Food Security and Healthcare
Learning Opportunities
Violence and Conflict Resolution
Educate to Lead for Global Impact
John Pugh MP Joins Southport Soroptimists in Calling for Action on Ovarian Cancer
<PRESS RELEASE>
The Lib Dem MP for Southport John Pugh joined with Southport members of Soroptimist International Dorothy Lee and Joan Lunt in Parliament yesterday afternoon at the launch of a pathfinder study on the dangers posed by ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most dangerous gynaecological cancer, killing around 4,400 women every year, but 29% of those who have the condition are only diagnosed with it at A&E. The report, launched by the campaign group Target Ovarian Cancer, called for more to be done to help ordinary people and medical professionals recognise the condition.
Earlier in the day, John Pugh met with Mrs. Lee and Miss Lunt to hear more about the efforts of Soroptimist International of Southport in drawing attention to the condition. Earlier this year, members of Soroptimist International of Southport stood on Marine Way bridge with placards and banners to raise awareness about the condition, and were instrumental in securing a Resolution calling for more to be done about the condition at the Soroptimist International Federation conference in Brighton.
Commenting on the event, member of Soroptimist International of Southport Dorothy Lee said:
“The event was inspiring, listening to women who had been diagnosed, some with no hope of recovery, urging those present to continue with the lobbying and help save the lives of others. Southport members are ensuring that information is put into all doctors’ surgeries and enquiring whether the practice has taken advantage of the online ovarian cancer module as part of their practice training. One doctor informed those present that since completing the training she had been able to detect two women early enough to give them a chance of survival. Ovarian Cancer really is The Silent Killer.”
Commenting further, John Pugh MP said:
“I was very impressed by Soroptimist International of Southport’s efforts in drawing attention to the dangers of ovarian cancer, but as this study shows, there is clearly a long way to go at a national level to educate people about the threat it poses.
“The best way of spotting ovarian cancer is to ask your GP for a particular type of blood test – CA125** – and I urge all women to be aware of the symptoms of the condition so that they can go for help immediately if they suspect they may have developed it.”
<ENDS>
For more information contact the Office of John Pugh MP on 020 7219 8318
** The CA125 test is non specific and only one of the pointers for Ovarian Cancer