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30 per cent of women are wrongly thought to have irritable bowel syndrome
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2266730/Fatal-delays-ovarian-tests-One-women-waiting-months-diagnosis-seeing-doctor.html#ixzz2IqEqh7CB
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30 per cent of women are wrongly thought to have irritable bowel syndrome
One in three women with ovarian cancer had to wait six months or more to be diagnosed after first seeing their doctor.
Revealed in a study by Target Ovarian Cancer, the delay in treatment for the ‘silent killer’ – so-called because it is difficult to diagnose – may have fatal results.
It is estimated that 500 lives a year could be saved through earlier diagnosis if the UK could match the best rates in Europe.
Worrying: One in three women with ovarian cancer had to wait six months or more to be diagnosed after first seeing their doctor
The charity’s Pathfinder Study found that almost a third of women with the disease had to wait at least six months for a correct diagnosis.
Initial symptoms may include a distended abdomen and a sense of bloating.
Misdiagnosis is common, with 30 per cent of women wrongly thought to have irritable bowel syndrome, 15 per cent ovarian cysts and 13 per cent a urinary infection.
Even when GPs suspect ovarian cancer, one in 10 doctors had the request for a diagnostic test refused by trusts or hospitals.
Women may also take time to act. One in four took more than three months to visit their GP after first symptoms.
More than half took over a month, with one in 10 never consulting their GP about their complaints. The figures were revealed in a survey of doctors, nurses and patients.
Improvement: It is estimated that 500 lives a year could be saved through earlier diagnosis if the UK could match the best rates in Europe
About 4,400 women die each year from the disease, often because it is found only when it has spread to other parts of the body.
Esther Matthews, 60, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who is married with three children, developed symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain and breathlessness in February 2010.
Her GP initially diagnosed a urinary infection and prescribed antibiotics, but when it didn’t clear up it took weeks to get hospital tests.
She said ‘Misdiagnosis and delays meant seven frustrating months before I was finally diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was a frightening and anxious time for me and my family.
'I was lucky, and am now free of cancer, but for many, the delay means their cancer has already spread, and treatment is difficult.’
Annwen Jones, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “Early diagnosis is key. 32 per cent of women are diagnosed in A&E. 75 per cent of women are diagnosed once the cancer has spread. This is unacceptable.
‘We must improve symptom awareness with women, improve GP knowledge and ensure they have prompt access to diagnostic tests.’ He said pilot schemes in the Government-backed Be Clear on Cancer awareness campaign should be extended across England, while other home nations must similar action to stop women needlessly dying.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2266730/Fatal-delays-ovarian-tests-One-women-waiting-months-diagnosis-seeing-doctor.html#ixzz2IqEqh7CB
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