Women urged to be vigilant over gynaecological cancer

Tomorrow is the start of Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness of a disease which kills one woman a day in New Zealand.

The campaign aims to educate and inform women about the signs and symptoms of the main types of gynaecological cancers - ovarian, cervical, uterine and vulval/vaginal.

"It is important that all women know the early warning signs and take action early. It could just save their life," Gynaecological Cancer Foundation general manager Sarah Hutchings said.

Women could take preventive action like having safe sex, not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and having regular smear tests.

Signs such as persistent bloating, difficulty eating and abdominal and pelvic pain shouldn't be ignored, Ms Hutchings said.

Every year more than 860 women were diagnosed with a type of gynaecological cancer and one woman died every day, she said.

The campaign will feature share and care events where women can talk about their personal experiences in an informal setting.

Events will be registered online on silverribbon.co.nz.

 

 

 

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