More than 7,000 women receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis each year in the UK. It can affect anyone who has ovaries and is mostly seen in women over the age of 50 but everyone should be aware of the symptoms. It is worth noting that it can also affect the fallopian tubes, or lining of your stomach even if you have had your ovaries removed.

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early on, as many of the symptoms are also seen in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome.

The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer are: 

• Persistent pain or tenderness in your stomach or between your hips
• Persistent bloating 
• No appetite or feeling full more quickly 
• Needing to wee more frequently or urgently. 

Additional symptoms may include indigestion, change in bowel movements, back pain, weight loss, extreme tiredness and unusual bleeding from the vagina.  

Our top tips from public health are: 

• Know your body 
• Know what’s normal for you 
• Keep a diary of any symptoms 
• Seek professional advice – no question is a silly question 
• Share knowledge – don’t avoid talking about cancer. 

If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, it doesn’t have to mean cancer, but the best advice is to make an appointment to see a GP as soon as possible and go back if symptoms worsen. 

It is important to get any symptoms of ovarian cancer checked as soon as possible. Finding it early can mean it's more treatable.

Early detection of ovarian cancer, particularly when caught at Stage I, offers a high chance of survival, with five-year survival rates reaching up to 90%.

There are many reasons someone may get ovarian cancer but quitting smoking (if you smoke), managing a healthy weight or talking to your GP about genetic testing if it runs in your family could reduce the chances.

If you need support quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, find out about our free Xyla – Healthier Futures programme: healthier-futures.co.uk

The condition means cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body. It affects 1 in 10 women, yet many people are unaware of the disease and its impact on day-to-day life.

The charity HEY Endo offers peer support and online advice and resources for residents in Hull and East Riding with lived experience of endometriosis, adenomyosis and PCOS etc.

Endo Buddies are offering free support as part of a new endometriosis wellbeing hub on the first Monday of each month, meeting at Goole Library (DN14 5DS) from 5.45pm to 6.45pm, with plans to do more pop-up hubs in the future. Email: hello@endobuddies.com to find out more.

Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work. If you need specialist support managing symptoms, your GP can refer you to the specialist menopause service with Conifer.

Fitmums and Friends run a rolling six-week menopause programme which combines gentle walks, specialist info session, yoga and strength and conditioning exercises for women. Currently the programme runs on Tuesday evenings in Beverley. Email: michelle@fitmums.org.uk for future programmes.