Former headteacher with ovarian cancer shares the signs and symptoms

A former headteacher from Greater Manchester who is living with ovarian cancer wants more women to know the signs and symptoms of the cancer.

Gill Broom, 62, originally from Bramhall, Stockport, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2020.

Gill, who now lives in Clitheroe, is a volunteer with the Dianne Oxberry Trust - a charity focused on raising awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms across the North West.

Dianne, who was from Greater Manchester and one of the BBC’s longest-serving presenters, sadly died from ovarian cancer on 10 January 2019.

Gill found out she had ovarian cancer almost a year later.

Gill initially suspected something was wrong when she experienced post-menopausal bleeding while out shopping in September 2020.

Postmenopausal bleeding is an uncommon symptom of ovarian cancer and is more common with womb cancers.

Fortunately, Gill contacted her GP urgently knowing it was a ‘red-flag symptom’.

After a series of tests, Gill went on to be diagnosed with clear-cell ovarian cancer and underwent a hysterectomy and chemotherapy. She was then put on routine checks.

Unfortunately, around a year later in November 2021 a check-up identified some further evidence of cancer spreading to her lymph nodes which she had keyhole surgery to remove.

Surgeons were able to remove the cancer and Gill is now monitored with regular blood tests.

Her cancer remains stable, but she may need further treatment in future.

Gill, who works part-time for a card and gift business, said: “You don’t see as many leaflets or posters or hear as many stories about ovarian cancer, compared to breast cancer and cervical cancer. I wanted to try and help the Dianne Oxberry Trust help change that.

“As a headteacher, I was used to speaking