SIGBI Programme Resolution 2011 (passed)

Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Limited in Conference, moves that:
Soroptimists alert legislators, health providers and the general public to the symptoms and importance of early diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer and support research being carried out to provide a screening test which will be readily available and avoid the danger of late or missed diagnosis.

EXPLANATORY NOTE:
Ovarian Cancer is a disease that only women can contract. It is the fourth greatest cause of death from cancer in women and is very difficult to diagnose early enough for a positive prognosis. Often it is too late and the cancer has spread too widely for treatment to be effective. However, recent studies and research have shown that the majority of women who have the disease had the symptoms, which may have been present for up to 12 months.

Presentation of symptoms can be non-specific, abdominal symptoms often similar to those for less serious conditions such as IBS. Evidence suggests that there are key differentiating factors such as women with ovarian cancer will experience the symptoms more frequently, persistently and more severely than those who do not have the disease. It is important that women generally are made aware of the warning signs and also doctors in general practice should listen to their concerns. If any one of the following occurs on most days then it would suggest ovarian cancer may be the cause:

• Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
• Increased abdominal size – persistent bloating that comes and goes
• Difficulty in eating and feeling full quickly

Other symptoms may include:

• Urinary symptoms
• Changes in bowel habit
• Extreme tiredness
• Back pain

The most effective way to tackle low survival rates is to raise awareness of the disease. Our goal is to challenge this lack of knowledge in order to enable earlier diagnosis. We can support a wide range of research, with the aim of improving speed and accuracy of detection, finding more effective treatments and looking for ways of prevention.

It is hoped by bringing this resolution we will raise awareness and encourage Soroptimists to work in partnership with other organisations, such as “Target Ovarian Cancer” and “Ovarian Cancer Action” campaigning on the same issue. We hope that action against ovarian cancer will be as widespread as that against breast cancer. Often this cancer is called the “Silent Killer”. If we campaign loudly enough we save many lives. This is not the Silent Killer; it is just not being heard.

Proposed by: Joan Lunt SI Carnforth and District
Seconded by: Carol Cookson SI Southport

PROPOSED PLAN OF ACTION:

In the First Year:

Speakers on the subject of Ovarian Cancer to inform members of the disease. Speakers are readily available from Ovarian Cancer Campaign.

1. Clubs to carry out research in their locality about access to information in Health Centres, doctors’ surgeries, pharmacists, or any other premises.
2. Find out about speed of diagnosis and early treatment available in locality.
3. Collate findings to be used to lobby legislators and health providers and inform Ovarian Cancer Campaign about findings. This could be done at a national level and the information gathered used for future action.
4. Clubs could sign up as ambassadors for Ovarian Cancer Campaign to raise awareness locally and raise funds to aid research into finding a screening process which is universally available to all women in a routine way.
5. Members could sign the petition available from the charity.
6. Arrange distribution of leaflets available from Ovarian Cancer Campaign and also The Ovarian Cancer Trust Both organisations have informative websites with plenty of ideas for action

In the Second Year

1. To organise events to raise awareness generally to women e.g. Well Women Fairs or similar. It is only when women are aware of the symptoms that early diagnoses can be made as knowledgeable women present earlier to doctors.
2. To join the campaign for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month in March to help to make it as well known as Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. This will also raise the profile of Soroptimism.
3. Continue to lobby the legislators and health providers to provide funding to aid early diagnosis and prevent the spread of the disease in patients.