Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed female cancer in Ireland. More than 440 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Ireland every year and sadly, more than 27 of them die. Ireland ranks among the highest countries for female mortality due to ovarian cancer. It is known as the silent killer because it is hard to diagnose, the symptoms can often be confused with other conditions and late diagnosis makes it very difficult to treat and cure. I met a woman recently whose sister had been treated for repeated urinary tract infections. Her doctors then thought it was a hip condition and the woman attended a physiotherapist. Within ten days of the diagnosis, she passed away. It is very sad for that family. It is very sad for any woman and her family. There is a campaign this month to raise awareness globally during the pandemic. We are all distracted but this is certainly an issue of which every woman and society in general need to be aware. The symptoms can be confused with those of other conditions but we should urge every woman experiencing any of the symptoms to consult her GP. We must all be vigilant in our approach to this disease. No woman should go undiagnosed.