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Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way in and around your ovaries and fallopian tubes, eventually forming a cancerous (malignant) growth (tumour).
Ovarian cancer affects 1.6 out of every 100 women. It is more common after you've been through menopause, and is less likely when you're still having periods.
Most of the time, there is no clear cause for ovarian cancer, but sometimes it runs in families.
There are a few things that we know can increase your chance of getting ovarian cancer. These include:
- being overweight
- not having children
- having a late menopause
- getting older
- your genetics. Having one or more close relatives who have had ovarian cancer can increase your risk of getting it too. There are some known gene mutations that can increase your risk as well.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
It can be difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer early, as the symptoms can be similar to other more common and less serious conditions. Ovarian cancer symptoms may include:
- a bloated tummy
- loss of appetite
- feeling of fullness when you eat
- pain in the tummy, lower back or when having sex
- passing urine (weeing) more often than usual
- feeling the need to wee urgently
- weight gain or weight loss
- bleeding after menopause
- feeling tired or a lack of energy.
- change in your bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea especially if you're older than 50.
If you have any of these symptoms for no reason, or you get these symptoms regularly (especially more than 12 times a month) see your GP.
Diagnosing ovarian cancer
Your doctor will do a pelvic examination. To do this, they will insert two lubricated gloved fingers into your vagina, then press gently on the outside of your lower tummy with their other hand. This lets them feel your uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs. They may arrange blood tests including one to measure your levels of a protein called CA-125 levels, as this can increase with ovarian cancer. They may also arrange for you to have an ultrasound.
If your doctor is concerned, they may refer you to a hospital specialist who may do some other tests such as a CT scan to check for any abnormalities.
Treating ovarian cancer
If the tests show you have ovarian cancer, treatment will usually involve surgery and chemotherapy.
Screening for ovarian cancer
For most women with no symptoms, screening tests have not been found to be useful.
If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer or carry a genetic abnormality called BRCA1 or BRCA2, talk to your doctor about screening options.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Cancer Society – Ovarian cancer
Information, support and other tips about ovarian cancer.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2021.
Sources
See also:
Review key: HIOCV-16002
