Swatragh woman urges us all to know the signs of ovarian cancer

“If you feel something isn’t right, trust your instincts and go and get checked.”

Those are the words of advice from Swatragh woman Pauline Donnelly, who has spoken about her cancer diagnosis during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Four years on from chemotherapy and surgery, she is once again living life to the full with a ‘heart full of gratitude’.

Reflecting on her initial symptoms, which came to a head in early 2021, Pauline said: “I had terrible fatigue for quite some time, which I thought was down to my age, and that was going on quite a while. I developed a funny feeling in my lower abdomen and I noticed I was going to the bathroom with greater frequency.”

With hindsight and greater knowledge of the signs and symptoms to look out for, Pauline now knows she should have taken action sooner.

Describing her cancer diagnosis as a huge shock, she went on to have six cycles of chemotherapy along with major surgery which meant she had to learn how to walk again.

She’s telling her story this month to ensure that more women know what to look out for, and to encourage anyone who has a concern to seek professional advice.

“Don’t hesitate, you know your own body. If you feel something isn’t right then go and see your GP,” she said.

Pauline was cared for throughout her cancer journey by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, who were on hand to provide advice, guidance and support.

Urging all women to recognise the signs of ovarian cancer, and seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity, Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Patricia Rogers, said: “Ovarian cancer can be a silent disease but paying attention to your own body can make all the difference. Early detection saves lives.”

Make an appointment to see your GP if you are experiencing symptoms including:

• a long lasting, bloated, swollen tummy
• feeling full quickly when you eat
• loss of appetite
• pain in lower tummy or lower back
• going to the toilet more often than usual
• needing to go to the toilet with greater urgency

For more information about ovarian and other gynaecological cancers go to Northern Trust website

Pauline’s story features on the Northern Trust’s Digital Diaries Cancer Patient Stories podcast series. Developed with support from the My Journey project, the series provides a forum for patients to talk about their cancer journey and share their experience and anecdotes.

If you’re interested in listening to Pauline’s episode, or any others in the series, you can do so here