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The RPS is supporting Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, saying that pharmacists have a 'vitally important' role to play in the early detection of cancer by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms in patients, some of whom may be self-medicating for unrecognised symptoms.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout March, and a range of support materials can be downloaded from www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

The RPS also offers a variety of information about ovarian cancer and the advice to offer patients. You can find out more at www.rpharms.com/public-health/cancer-awareness.asp.

Key symptoms of ovarian cancer are persistent pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size and/or persistent bloating, difficulty eating and feeling full more quickly. This means women often buy diuretics or medication for IBS before they receive a diagnosis. €When a woman is diagnosed at the earliest stage, her chance of surviving ovarian cancer for five years or more doubles from just 46 per cent to more than 90 per cent,€ says the RPS.