Every two hours, a woman dies from ovarian cancer in the UK. However, the progress in diagnosis and treatment falls far behind higher profile cancers. Something needs to change. We can’t bring back their #StolenMoments, but we can help catch the thief. Here’s what Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s ovarian cancer research charity, have to say about the sixth most common cancer in women.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries make up part of the female reproductive system. Their main functions are to produce and store eggs for reproduction and to produce oestrogren and progesterone (female sex hormones).

When abnormal cells in the ovary start to multiply and create a tumour, that’s when ovarian cancer occurs. If left unchecked, a malignant and cancerous tumour can grow and spread.

There are three types of ovarian tumour, epithelial, germ cell and sex-cord stromal. The most common of these tumours is epithelial.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

90% of women do not know the four main symtoms of this cancer. Do you? These are:

• Persistant stomach pain
• Persistant bloating
• Difficulty eating/feeling full more quickly
• Needing to wee more frequently

Having these symptoms doesn’t mean you have ovarian cancer, as they can be signs of other less serious conditions. However, if you’re feeling concerned and your symptoms are persistent, severe, frequent and out of the ordinary you should visit your GP as soon as possible. Other symtpoms can also include changes in bowel habits, extreme tiredness with no obvious cause and back pain. This informative video from explains more.

How Can I Help?

Ovarian Cancer Action UK fund research, raise awareness and campaign for change. They’re on a mission to stop women dying from this disease. They mobilise people to spread the world, tell their stories and help raise the funds needed.

One of the ways Ovarian Cancer Action are raising funds this year is through their partnership with Pureology UK. There’s a special connection between the cause and the brand, as Pureology was originally created after a close friend of Pureology’s founder was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

With Jim Markham, Pureology’s founder, knowing his friend was struggling to find haircare that didn’t irrirate her sensitive skin following treatment, Pureology was born. Free from sulfates and 100% vegan, the coloured haircare collection was perfect for her needs.

Just one of the ways Pureology is raising money for Ovarian Cancer Action this year is through sales of their limited edition Pureology Hydrate Charity Set. With each sale, a percentage is donated to this wonderful charity, and you can pick yours up at Gorgeous now. Ovarian Cancer Action have also launched a £1Million fundraising campaign to fund scientist’s research to find the world’s first screening tool for ovarian cancer. You can also donate directly to the cause here. So go ahead and do you bit for this worthwhile cause, pop ‘Team Gorgeous’ in the comment box so they know you’ve come from us!