Ovacome, the UK’s ovarian cancer support charity, are providing a free Health and Wellbeing Day in Edinburgh on Friday.

The charity invites anyone who has been affected by ovarian cancer, including friends and family of people diagnosed, to book a place and attend the event.

On the day, people attending will learn more about ways to support their own wellbeing following their diagnosis, and meet others who also have been diagnosed with the disease.

More than 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, with one in 56 women who may expect a diagnosis. Known as an ‘uncommon cancer’ because of these statistics, many people who receive a diagnosis can feel isolated.

Dolores Watters, one of Ovacome’s Support Service Officers, explained what people might expect at the Health and Wellbeing Day: “We’re delighted to be returning to Scotland after recently visiting Glasgow with a Health and Wellbeing Day last year.

“These events are informative and a great opportunity for our Ovacome community to come together to socialise, make friends and form new connections. We’ve got a fantastic line-up for the day, which includes a good mix of workshop sessions and expert speakers, and hopefully people will take a lot of useful information away from the day.”

Ovacome raises awareness of the disease is by highlighting the most common symptoms using the acronym B.E.A.T. These symptoms include; persistent bloating of the abdomen (B), difficulty eating and feeling full quickly (E), persistent abdominal or pelvic pain (A) and toilet changes in urination or bowel habit (T).

Elaine, who is in her 60s and from South Lanarkshire, recently attended Ovacome’s Health and Wellbeing Day in Glasgow. She champions the importance of being symptom aware, after receiving an unexpected diagnosis of Stage 4 ovarian cancer back in December 2024.

“I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer – the shock was just immense.”

After chemotherapy and surgery, Elaine was in remission just seven months after her diagnosis and she’s now keen to raise awareness of the disease. She continued: “We all know our own bodies – our general aches and pains, and I would urge any ladies, of any age, to get any symptoms that seem unusual checked out with a GP as soon as possible.”

Ovacome’s Health and Wellbeing Day is from 10.30am to 4pm. Professor Charlie Gourley, who is a Professor and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology, will speak as well as Emma Dunlop, co-chair of the Scottish Cancer Patient Reported Outcomes Measures Advisory Group.

To book and view the full agenda visit https://www.ovacome.org.uk/event/edinburgh-hwd-2026

Alternatively, call 0800 0087054 or email [email protected]