'Do not neglect symptoms' - cancer warning

Alison Jones, from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023

"Women should never neglect any kind of symptoms," a woman recovering from ovarian cancer treatment said.

Alison Jones, from Wolverhampton, received five rounds of chemotherapy and had emergency surgery after she was diagnosed with the disease.

The 44-year-old underwent a full hysterectomy and removal of her omentum after previously having her left ovary and fallopian tube removed.

Ms Jones was speaking during Ovarian Cancer Month to raise awareness of symptoms.

'Devastating'

She described how she was “extremely shocked” after her diagnosis last year, as she did not know any of the potential ovarian cancer symptoms.

Ms Jones, who works as an office administrator, had sought medical advice after she started needing to go to the toilet more frequently and developed constant abdominal and pelvic pain.

She added she was "thankful" the disease was found and treated, and praised the staff at New Cross Hospital for their support.

"I spent six nights in hospital feeling drained physically and mentally, I shed a few tears but managed to pick myself up and focus on the recovery," she said.

"I am now waiting on the results for the biopsies to see what happens next."

According to Cancer Research UK, about 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK every year.

Symptoms can include a swollen abdomen or feeling bloated, abdominal pain, as well as no appetite and needing to use the toilet more often.

Ms Jones added: "I would advise women to never neglect any kind of symptoms that they have or anything that is abnormal for them.

"Please seek medical advice, no matter your age."