South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has shown his support for women with ovarian cancer across the region, at a special event in the Scottish Parliament last month.

MSPs were given the chance to dress as ‘teal heroes’ to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer at an event organised for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March.

Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness, which continues to be alarmingly low in Scotland. Data from Target Ovarian Cancer shows just 23 per cent of women in Scotland would be able to name bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

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

Colin Smyth said: “Over 4,000 women in the UK die of ovarian cancer each year, and awareness of the key symptoms remains too low.

“We must come together and act now to make sure everyone knows what look out for, and that those affected by ovarian cancer face better outcomes.

“That’s why I was delighted to join others and take part in this year’s Teal Hero event with Target Ovarian Cancer to create positive progress.”

Alexandra Holden, Deputy Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “It’s been brilliant to see MSPs become awareness superheroes.

“We know that much more needs to be done to increase awareness of ovarian cancer and save lives.

“It is so important that we continue to come together at events like this to work to transform the future of ovarian cancer. We look forward to continuing to work with MSPs to make improvements in diagnosis and survival that women with ovarian cancer and their families deserve.”

Over 7,000 women are diagnosed each year in the UK, and over 4,000 women lose their lives each year. Target Ovarian Cancer works to raise the profile of ovarian cancer, spread the word about the symptoms, and train GPs in early diagnosis. Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk to find out more.