Women across the county are being encouraged to get checked out if they experience symptoms of ovarian cancer.

As part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is urging women to ask for medical help if they are experiencing symptoms of the disease, such as a bloated or swollen tummy, or loss of appetite.

Sister Julie Thomas, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at NCIC, said: "There are several different types of ovarian cancer.

"What we know is that cancer of the ovary causes symptoms, which can be similar to less serious conditions. This can be confusing. The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome will be.”

To find out more, visit the NCIC website.

Alternatively, head to the Ovarian Cancer Action website, or visit www.macmillan.org.uk, and search ovarian cancer.