NI woman with ovarian cancer issues heartbreaking plea to First Minister to save women’s lives

A Northern Ireland woman, who received a shock diagnosis of ovarian cancer, is pleading with our political leaders to fund an awareness campaign on its symptoms.

For months, Christine Campbell, aged 59 and from Dundonald, had been experiencing bloating, loss of appetite and fatigue, but had no idea these were key ovarian cancer symptoms. Following an initial diagnosis in 2021 and successful treatment, she was devastated to learn the cancer had returned in 2023.

Christine was told she had just 12 months to live and she is spending that time pleading with government officials to take urgent action so other women don't face the same prognosis.

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Currently there is no effective ovarian cancer screening tool available. Knowing the symptoms of the disease can help women to have ovarian cancer detected or ruled out at the earliest possible opportunity, states charity Target Ovarian Cancer.

Christine received a late stage ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2021, aged 55. She had been experiencing symptoms of bloating, loss of appetite, and changes in urinary frequency. These are symptoms she now knows are typical for ovarian cancer but had no reason to believe that at the time.

She describes her ovarian cancer diagnosis as ‘a complete shock’, and she felt like she had ‘smashed into a brick wall’. She received chemotherapy and debulking surgery in 2021 and then started taking a maintenance treatment (known as PARP inhibitors which can help reduce the chance of the cancer coming back).

But Christine found out that her cancer had returned in 2023 and was given a prognosis of less than 12 months. She started second line treatment and received chemotherapy as a maintenance treatment, however it was not as responsive as her healthcare team hoped.

In May 2024, she was given what she describes as a ‘lifeline’ when her oncologist applied for her to access Avastin, a third line of chemotherapy which will give her more time.

Now, along with two other women also diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Christine has written an open letter to the First and Deputy First Ministers, which has acquired over 1,000 signatures. They hope to gather more and to make the government pledge to take action on the awareness crisis in ovarian cancer.

Determined to change the future for others, Christine has been working with Target Ovarian Cancer to spearhead this lifesaving awareness campaigns.

It is estimated that 122 women die from ovarian cancer in Northern Ireland each year, yet still one in five report visiting the GP three or more times before being referred for diagnostic tests. Awareness of the symptoms is key to ensuring a correct diagnosis and effective treatment, according to the charity.

Christine said: “Women must be given the opportunity to know these symptoms, so they can visit the GP quickly if something doesn’t feel right. Ovarian cancer symptoms can often present similar to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or other less serious illnesses.

“If they are overlooked, the disease is much more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages when the survival rate is much lower. So many people assume ovarian cancer will be detected during their smear test, however, this is not the case.

“Awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms would enable women to recognise when something doesn't feel right and seek an urgent appointment with their GP. The earlier a diagnosis, the greater the survival rate through effective treatment.”

Christine says the voices of everyone affected by ovarian cancer in Northern Ireland must be heard: “I don’t want to waste any more time. I want to see funding available for awareness campaigns across Northern Ireland. Awareness empowers people to take action when you know something might not be right.

“Education programmes within the primary health sector can also help GPs to recognise symptoms earlier. Information must be available in public places, and MLAs who have the power to influence the change we need in cancer services must listen. Better outcomes for those affected by ovarian cancer must be ensured.

“On average 200 women per year are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Northern Ireland. These women deserve a funded and implemented Cancer Strategy which can deliver improved outcomes,” she added.

Rachel Downing, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Target Ovarian Cancer, says women are being let down in Northern Ireland and it’s time to address the failings: “With the appropriate funding, we can ensure that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are seen by more women across Northern Ireland so that they can become familiar and know when they might need to see a GP.

“We need to hear more stories of survival, and early diagnosis, and the government has the power to help make that a reality.”

To sign Christine's open letter to the First and Deputy First Minister, and demand more awareness, visit https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/ovarian-ni.

The Executive Office has been approached for a response.

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