Angelina Jolie is urging women to get checked for ovarian cancer, after she paid tribute to her mother who passed from the illness.
In a heartfelt post on social media, the movie star shared a childhood snap with mum Marcheline Bertrand to mark what would've been her 73rd birthday. Posting the image on Tuesday, the Mr and Mrs Smith actor explained how Bertrand died 15 years ago from a combination of ovarian and breast cancer.
Ovarian cancer symptoms can often be missed in the condition's early stages, which is why it's known as a "silent disease". This can often result in late detection at a point when it becomes incurable.
Jolie has highlighted the importance of staying on top of health, as she nears the age her mother received her diagnosis. Alongside the sweet picture, Jolie wrote on Instagram: "Tomorrow would have been my mother’s 73rd birthday.
"She passed away 15 years ago, after a long struggle with breast and ovarian cancer. In June, I will be a month away from the age when she was diagnosed. I have had preventive surgeries to try to lessen chances but I continue to have check ups.
"Sending my love to those who have also lost loved ones and strength to those who are fighting at this very moment for their lives and the lives of those they love.
"And to other women, please take the time to look after yourself and go for your mammograms and blood tests or ultrasounds, particularly if you have a family history of cancer."
Ovarian cancer is the the sixth most common cause of cancer death in females in the UK, with a survival rate of just 35 per cent. Knowing its warning signs may help uncover the disease in its early stages and make it more treatable.
Here are the ovarian cancer symptoms that should never be ignored.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
According to the NHS, symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:
- a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
- no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
The NHS stresses that these symptoms can be from many other conditions, but it's still important to get any of them checked out by a GP.
If they are caused by ovarian cancer, the earlier it's spotted, the more treatable it is.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
