Graham has joined forces with women affected by ovarian cancer to call for local action to address the steps needed to improve survival in ovarian cancer in Weaver Vale.
A new report, Making a difference for ovarian cancer patients, launched by cancer charity, Ovacome, highlights the steps needed to improve survival in ovarian cancer. Based on a survey of its members, the report includes a series of recommendations in three key areas - symptom awareness and early diagnosis, access to patient-centred treatment, survivorship and research.
Ovacome asked women affected by ovarian cancer for their views and respondents identified what they believe would make the biggest difference to improving survival and standards of care for other patients in the future.
Graham said: “Survival rates for ovarian cancer in the UK are among the lowest in Europe, . Just four in ten women are expected to survive their disease for at least five years in England – amongst the lowest of all common cancers.
“Ovacome’s report found that: 81% of respondents said awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer needs to be improved among GPs and community nurses while over two thirds of respondents have called for action to increase understanding of the different signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
“This report highlights the need to improve survival in ovarian cancer throughout the country. I fully support Ovacome’s efforts to tackle this important issue.”