“Awareness is vital when it comes to ovarian cancer.”
Sylvia Pearl, from the Dianne Oxberry Trust, spoke to Crosby’s Soroptimists about the work of this young, north-west-based charity.
The trust’s aim is to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Symptoms? These include bloating – pelvic pain – loss of appetite – bladder problems – unusual tiredness – bleeding after the menopause.
Sylvia stressed the importance of recognising the signs. If they last a few weeks take action quickly and seek medical advice. Believe in yourself and how you feel, she urged – press for a blood test that could lead to a diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater are the chances of a good outcome.
The Trust is named after Dianne Oxberry, the broadcaster well known in north-west England. Dianne died so young from ovarian cancer.
The trust was founded in the north-west. However, through the support of Soroptimists – and the power of ‘virtual’ meetings during lockdown – the charity has been able to spread the word country-wide.