An NHS surgeon has taken to TikTok, urging people to stay vigilant for signs and symptoms of cancer that could save lives.
The University of Birmingham’s official TikTok handle, @unibirmingham, shared a vital video where Sudha Sundar, Professor of Gynae Cancer and NHS Consultant Gynaecological Cancer Surgeon, accentuates the significance of early detection, especially noting an uptick in ovarian cancer risks during menopause.
Prof Sundar says in the footage: “Over 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year across the globe. We know that 90% of women will survive ovarian cancer if this is diagnosed at an early stage, at stage 1.”
She emphasises the necessity for prompt attention to concerning symptoms like persistent bloating, reports the Express. Adding: So it is really important that women act on their symptoms. If you are an older woman and you’re having bloating, so your tummy feels really full” – this is a key sign.
“If you’re feeling quite full when you eat. If you have lots of pressure symptoms on your bladder so you feel like you want to wee more frequently or open your bowels more frequently or you have tummy pain or tummy discomfort that’s new for you, that is persistent, over a month, then please go see your GP.”
Professor Sundar emphasises the importance of not delaying a visit to your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms. She advises that your “GP will be able to do some very simple tests like a blood test or an ultrasound and this may help to find out if there is anything suspicious going on with you.”
To summarise her points, you should visit your GP if:
According to the NHS, these can include:
If there are signs of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital. The NHS notes that “this does not definitely mean you have cancer.” The examination may involve:
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