Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, has shown her support for women with ovarian cancer in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March.

At an event organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ovarian Cancer on Wednesday 2 March, MPs dressed as ‘teal heroes’ to promote and improve knowledge of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness, which remains alarmingly low in the UK. Research from Target Ovarian Cancer suggests that just one in five women can name bloating as one of the key symptoms of the disease.

The main symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Persistent bloated tummy
• Always feeling full
• Tummy pain
• Needing to wee more often or more urgently

Following the event, Catherine said: “I was delighted to take part in this year’s Teal Hero event to show my support and admiration for the superhero women facing ovarian cancer, and to raise awareness of the signs of the disease.

Over 4,000 women in the UK die of ovarian cancer each year, and it is hugely concerning that knowledge of the key symptoms still remains low. Knowing the signs of the disease could save your life, and so it is absolutely essential that we all become familiar with the four main symptoms.

We must come together and act urgently so that every woman knows what to look out for, and to ensure that those affected by ovarian cancer face better outcomes. Together, we can make positive progress in the diagnosis, treatment, and support for women affected”