See the Signs

Our campaign seeks to raise awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer to help ensure that more women are diagnosed earlier.

Background

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK each year, and 4,200 deaths.

It is one of the most common types of cancer in women, mainly affecting those who have been through menopause.

Although the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, there are cases in younger women so it’s important that all women know the symptoms to look out for. On average, 1,330 women under the age of 50 are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK.

The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat. However, because the early signs of ovarian cancer are similar to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), it is often not diagnosed until it has spread and a cure is not possible.

Overall awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer remains low, yet this is crucial to early diagnosis, alongside other factors such as healthcare professionals taking the necessary steps when women present with them.

How you can get involved

Learn about the signs of ovarian cancer and spread the word on social media by sharing our posts or using the hashtag #SeeTheSigns and our symptoms images which you can download at the bottom of this page. (Simply click the image to prompt the download.
Visit our online exhibition to see all entries to the NFWI’s See the Signs craftivism competition. You can also find craft guides for the winning and first runner up entries here and here if you would like to have a go at re-creating them to raise awareness.

If you are a WI Member or Supporter Plus, we have more ways to get involved on MyWI. Find out more here.