Jeremy Balfour MSP has shown his super-powered support for women with ovarian cancer across
CONSTITUENCY at a special event sponsored by Monica Lennon MSP, Convenor of the Cross-Party
Group on Women's Health.
MSPs were given the chance to dress as ‘teal heroes’ to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian
cancer at an event organised for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March.
Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness, which continues to be alarmingly low in Scotland.
Data from Target Ovarian Cancer shows just 23 per cent of women in Scotland would be able to
name bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Persistent bloated tummy
- Always feeling full
- Tummy pain
- Needing to wee more often or more urgently
Jeremy Balfour MSP said: “Over 4,000 women in the UK die of ovarian cancer each year, and
awareness of the key symptoms remains too low. We must come together and act now to make sure
everyone knows what look out for, and that those affected by ovarian cancer face better outcomes.
That’s why I was delighted to join others and take part in this year’s Teal Hero event with Target
Ovarian Cancer to create positive progress.”
Monica Lennon MSP, host of the teal heroes event in Scottish Parliament, said: “I am pleased to host
this fantastic event to raise vital awareness of ovarian cancer. Nearly 600 women are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer each year in Scotland, yet our awareness of the symptoms remains critically low. I’m
proud to become a Teal Hero today alongside many colleagues to make a change for everyone
affected by ovarian cancer.”
Alexandra Holden, Deputy Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “It’s been brilliant to see
MSPs become awareness superheroes today. We know that much more needs to be done to
increase awareness of ovarian cancer and save lives. It is so important that we continue to come
together at events like this to work to transform the future of ovarian cancer. We look forward to
continuing to work with these MSPs to make improvements in diagnosis and survival that women
with ovarian cancer and their families deserve.”
Over 7,000 women are diagnosed each year in the UK, and over 4,000 women lose their lives each
year. Target Ovarian Cancer works to raise the profile of ovarian cancer, spread the word about the
symptoms, and train GPs in early diagnosis. Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk to find out more.
