WOMEN have been urged to look out for the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Every year 7,300 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Doctors at Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) now want women to keep an eye out for signs of the disease.

Their warning comes during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (March 1 to March 31).

Common symptoms include feeling bloated for a long period of time, a swollen stomach and discomfort in the stomach or pelvic area.

Other symptoms may include needing to pee more often or feeling full quickly when eating.

Dr Neil Smith, GP cancer lead at the CCGs said: “At the moment, women in the UK are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer too late. We need to educate local residents on the symptoms so it can be caught more quickly.

“Women who feel they are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer should contact their GP for a check-up.

“With an early diagnosis, life expectancy increases dramatically, so it is important for women to know what the signs are before it becomes too late.