Grandmother calls for ovarian cancer screening

Caroline Wall wants people to be aware of any change in their bodies

A grandmother is calling for others to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Caroline Wall, a foster carer from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with the disease last year.

The 59-year-old woke up with a swollen stomach and is sharing her story to urge others to seek medical advice if they notice a change in their bodies.

She hopes regular screening will one day be introduced.

After developing pain, Ms Wall attended the emergency department at New Cross Hospital, run by the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT).

“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I was told I had ovarian cancer," she said.

"I didn’t know any of the symptoms and couldn’t recall anybody having this in my family. I just thought 'how, why, what next?'"

After her diagnosis and several mini-procedures, Caroline went on to have six to eight sessions of chemotherapy followed by major surgery to remove her uterus and other organs.

Caroline is now undergoing her eighth round of chemotherapy and is due to see her oncologist to talk about long-term plans.

She added: “This may sound strange, but I do look forward to my appointments and coming into hospital because they have helped me through the hardest time of my life.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the fantastic NHS, and I can’t thank everyone involved in my care enough."

Hospital bosses urged people to recognise the BEAT symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• B is for bloating that doesn’t come and go

• E is for eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly

• A is for abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days

• T is for toilet changes and urination or bowel habits.