frenzied activity

well today has been interesting on the ovarian cancer awareness front! Facebook and Twitter have been alive with comment and conversation. All over the news, on breakfast and lunchtime TV too. Because AT LONG LAST 'NICE' [a misnomer if ever there was one] have decided in their Majesty, that it would be a good idea to test for ovarian cancer when the symptoms present.

Ffft! How obvious IS that?? "New guidance published today (27 April) from NICE calls for improved testing to allow faster diagnosis" – we have been 'calling' [what?] for that for years now. Fabulous that they've final got with the program. Took long enough…

Articles:

"Women who have ovarian cancer could have a greater chance of surviving the disease if more blood tests are offered in primary care. "

"This clinical guideline offers evidence-based advice on the care and early treatment of women with suspected or confirmed ovarian cancer."

"GPs should offer more blood tests to try to detect ovarian cancer earlier, according to new guidelines for the NHS."

"Call for action to detect Ovarian Cancer" [video]

 NICE guidelines [PDF]

etc etc…this is none too soon. Whilst NASTY NICE have been prevaricating, women have been fobbed off with diagnoses of IBS, indigestion – blah blah. And all through ignorance. Those women  may have effectively been dealt a death sentence. Late diagnosis is often lethal.

Educate yourself about this horrible disease.

What is really irritating is that they [NICE] say [to GP's]: "Carry out tests in primary care…if a woman (especially if 50 or over) reports having any of the following symptoms on a persistent or frequent basis…" ESPECIALLY IF 50 or OVER?? I know a lot of women with ovarian cancer – and the MINORITY of them are over 50. WAKE UP!!

grr. It's a step. And late in the day. But a step nevertheless. And the publicity has been awesome! Good thing!