A CHARITY is raising awareness of new treatments for women with ovarian cancer.

Weymouth-based cancer charity, GO Girls, is raising awareness of the new treatments as part of this year’s ovarian cancer awareness month.

Treatments for ovarian cancer have remained static for many years, however, a new range of drugs known as PARP inhibitors, are bringing hope to women who are diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Hilary Maxwell, CEO and chair of GO Girls, said: “This is such exciting news for women. We’ve been waiting a long time for newer treatments: this is the first sign of hope women with ovarian cancer have been waiting for and research has shown positive results for many women.

“What a year to see hope, to have the possibility of this new innovative treatment will bring much renewed hope to ovarian cancer patients after many dark years"

The group's work is being highlighted as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout March.

Sharon McCartney, trustee at GO Girls, added: “Throughout this month, we will be educating women about PARP inhibitors: access to good quality information is vital to inform them in discussions with their clinicians."

The National Institute of Clinical Evidence (NICE), published new guidance on February 17. The group recommended that Niraparib is recommended for use as an option for maintenance treatment for FIGO stages 3 and 4 high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer after response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in adults.

Niraparib is just one of a family of PARP inhibitors available to patients following discussion with their oncologists.

GO Girls is looking for women who have had Niraparib as a first line treatment to get in contact with them to help with the production of an educational film.

GO Girls supports women, their families and friends with who suffer from gynaecological cancer, ensuring all women receive support and advice.

Prior to the pandemic, the group would meet on first Thursday of every month and run activities such as organised walks, day trips and fundraising events.

To follow the GO Girls campaign, follow them on Twitter (GOGirls2015), Facebook (GoGirlsSupport) and Instagram (@gogirls.charity)

To contact them GO Girls visit: www.gogirlssupport.org