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# silent killer
Knowing the symptoms can 'BEAT' ovarian cancer, say pharmacists
The ‘BEAT’ acronym can help women recognise the symptoms of the condition, which affects 300 women each year.
A NEW CAMPAIGN has urged women of all ages to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
The Ovarian Cancer Cycle campaign asks women to use the acronym B-E-A-T to diagnose the potential symptoms of the condition, which is diagnosed in 300 women in Ireland every year.
While the condition is most common on women aged 70 and over, pharmacists said all women should be aware of the symptoms.
The acronym is as follows:
B - Persistent bloating which remains for some time and does not regularly come and goE - Eating less but feeling more full
A - Pain in the abdomen
T - Tell your GP
Pharmacists said women with a high body-mass index are particularly susceptible to the condition, as were those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
They added that use of the contraceptive pill had been found to protect women from developing the condition.
Pharmacists around the country are organising a charity cycle from Dublin to Galway in two weeks to raise funds and awareness of the condition.
“Ovarian cancer is an illness that is rarely detected early,” said a spokesperson for Teva Pharmaceuticals, which is supporting the project.
“If Irish women can be informed of the symptoms, lives can be saved.”
Read: Do you know the signs and symptoms of the ‘silent killer’?
More: TCD study aiming to improve personalisation of ovarian cancer treatment
