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Ovarian cancer

A blood test and scan are usually the first tests done to check for ovarian cancer, but other tests might be needed to get a diagnosis.

Main symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:

  • a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
  • pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
  • no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
  • an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

  • indigestion
  • constipation or diarrhoea
  • back pain
  • feeling tired all the time
  • losing weight without trying
  • bleeding from the vagina after the menopause

  • you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

But it's still important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it's more treatable.

Main causes of ovarian cancer

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, with more than half of all cases in the UK in those aged 65 and over.

Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer. This includes women, trans men, non-binary people and intersex people with ovaries.

You cannot get ovarian cancer if you've had surgery to remove your ovaries.

You may have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer if you:

  • inherited a faulty gene, such as the BRCA genes or those linked to Lynch syndrome
  • had breast cancer or bowel cancer
  • had radiotherapy treatment for a previous cancer
  • have endometriosis or diabetes
  • started your periods at a young age or went through the menopause late (over 55), or have not had a baby – because these things may mean you’ve released more eggs (ovulated more)
  • have never used any hormonal contraception, such as the pill or an implant
  • are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • are overweight
  • smoke

How to lower your risk of getting ovarian cancer

You cannot always prevent ovarian cancer but there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting it.

  • quit smoking

  • stay a healthy weight or lose weight if you're overweight

  • talk with a GP about possible tests or treatment (taking a hormonal contraception or removing your ovaries) if ovarian cancer runs in your family

It's important to get any symptoms of ovarian cancer checked by a GP.

Main tests for ovarian cancer

A blood test and a scan are usually done first, but other tests are often needed to diagnose ovarian cancer.

You may have an ultrasound scan to see if there are changes to your ovaries.

This might be done using a scanning device (the size of a finger) inserted into your vagina (transvaginal scan). Or you may have an external scan over your tummy area (abdominal scan).

If your scan comes back normal, but your symptoms continue for a month or more, see a GP again.

Sometimes ovaries are too small to show up on a scan, especially after the menopause.

Other tests you may have include:

  • a CT scan
  • removing a small sample of cells or fluid from your ovaries (needle biopsy),
  • looking at your ovaries using a camera on the end of a tube through a small cut in your tummy (laparoscopy)
  • surgery to remove tissue or possibly your ovaries (laparotomy)

Treatment for ovarian cancer

Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend on:

  • the size and type of ovarian cancer you have
  • where the cancer is
  • if it has spread
  • your general health

The main treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments include targeted medicines and hormone treatments.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
  • talk to you about how treatment may affect you, for instance if there are any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your ovarian cancer treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about ovarian cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

  • Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
  • Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
  • Macmillan Cancer Support: online forum
  • Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

  • Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
  • Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
  • Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
  • Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Ovacome

Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

  • Website: www.ovacome.org.uk
  • Ovacome: support for LGBTQ+ people
  • Ovacome: support in other languages
  • Helpline: 07503 682 311 or Freephone 0800 008 7054
  • Text and WhatsApp: 07503 682 311
  • Ovacome: online forum
  • E-mail: support@ovacome.org.uk

Target Ovarian cancer

Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

  • Website: www.targetovariancancer.org.uk
  • Helpline: 020 7923 5475
  • Target Ovarian Cancer: online contact form
  • Email: support@targetovariancancer.org.uk

Eve Appeal

Information and support for anyone affected by vaginal, ovarian, cervical, and vulval cancers.

  • Website: www.eveappeal.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0808 802 0019
  • Eve Appeal: ask eve information service
  • Eve Appeal: ask eve community forum

Maggie's Centres

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

  • Website: www.maggiescentres.org
  • Helpline: 0300 123 1801
  • Maggie's Centres
  • Maggie's online community

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

  • Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0800 090 2309
  • Marie Curie: patient services

Related links

Ovarian cancer

Symptoms

Causes

Tests and next steps

Treatment

Help and support

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29,035 public posts

ovarian cancer chemotherapy

I have a question going on my mind a few days now-cisplatin vs carboplatin in ovarian cancer what are the basic criteria’s in choosing one?it has to do with the person?is the one more effective than the other?
I have a question going on my mind a few days now-cisplatin vs carboplatin in ovarian cancer what are the basic criteria’s in choosing one?it has to do with the person?is the one more effective than the other?
Roulasim profile image
Roulasim
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

I want to live

cancer
cancer
Crimax72 profile image
Crimax72
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

Treatment for ovarian cancer

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3 five months ago I have had four rounds of chemotherapy and just had a laparoscopy.
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3 five months ago I have had four rounds of chemotherapy and just had a laparoscopy.
janers profile image
janers
in My Ovacome
3 months ago
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breast lump

Everything online says ovarian cancer very very rarely affects the breasts. I’m so confused and scared.
Everything online says ovarian cancer very very rarely affects the breasts. I’m so confused and scared.
Formydearmum profile image
Formydearmum
in My Ovacome
27 days ago

Ovarian cancer missed during pregnancy?

It's not confirmed yet, but her doctor seems quite sure it's ovarian cancer. However, we are finding it difficult to understand why nothing showed up during her first pregnancy only two years ago? Did the scans miss it or does it really grow this quickly? Would really appreciate some advice.
It's not confirmed yet, but her doctor seems quite sure it's ovarian cancer. However, we are finding it difficult to understand why nothing showed up during her first pregnancy only two years ago? Did the scans miss it or does it really grow this quickly? Would really appreciate some advice.
vika15 profile image
vika15
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

Niraparib side effects

hi everyone, I’ve got grade 3 high grade serous ovarian cancer, I finished 6 rounds of Paclitaxel and carboplatin in Desember. I’ve just started 200mg Niraparib three weeks ago but seem to have developed swollen legs, has anyone had any experience of this?
hi everyone, I’ve got grade 3 high grade serous ovarian cancer, I finished 6 rounds of Paclitaxel and carboplatin in Desember. I’ve just started 200mg Niraparib three weeks ago but seem to have developed swollen legs, has anyone had any experience of this?
Hannah54 profile image
Hannah54
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

New episode of Living with Ovarian Cancer Podcast

“Living with Ovarian Cancer Podcast” has a new episode. Do head over to listen to it wherever you listen to your podcasts or by following the link below. In this episode I talk to Gemma, a young woman living with Endometrioid Uterine and Ovarian Cancer in Manchester.
“Living with Ovarian Cancer Podcast” has a new episode. Do head over to listen to it wherever you listen to your podcasts or by following the link below. In this episode I talk to Gemma, a young woman living with Endometrioid Uterine and Ovarian Cancer in Manchester.
Levanah profile image
Levanah
in My Ovacome
21 days ago

Still here 15 years later

So please don’t give up hope as you embark on or as you continue along this journey with ovarian cancer. Be well. Be happy.
So please don’t give up hope as you embark on or as you continue along this journey with ovarian cancer. Be well. Be happy.
TealSista profile image
TealSista
in My Ovacome
4 months ago

g tube

I have stage 4 ovarian cancer. I was recently diagnosed with a bowel blockage. Ng tube did not work so I now have a g tube for stomach drainage and tpm for nourishment. I am to have chemo tomorrow cisplatin/gem which has worked for me in the past in shrinking my tumors.
I have stage 4 ovarian cancer. I was recently diagnosed with a bowel blockage. Ng tube did not work so I now have a g tube for stomach drainage and tpm for nourishment. I am to have chemo tomorrow cisplatin/gem which has worked for me in the past in shrinking my tumors.
Cancerfree57 profile image
Cancerfree57
in My Ovacome
15 days ago

Advice needed

My lovely mum has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is normally fit, well and active so this has come as a huge shock to her and all the family. She had no symptoms at all! Ca 125 raised and a USS showed cysts on both ovaries.
My lovely mum has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is normally fit, well and active so this has come as a huge shock to her and all the family. She had no symptoms at all! Ca 125 raised and a USS showed cysts on both ovaries.
ORGM profile image
ORGM
in My Ovacome
27 days ago

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2023

As Ovacome receives no government funding, we really do depend on the donations and fundraising of kind individuals to create community for those living with and beyond ovarian cancer.
As Ovacome receives no government funding, we really do depend on the donations and fundraising of kind individuals to create community for those living with and beyond ovarian cancer.
TheOvacomeTeam profile image
TheOvacomeTeam
Partnerin My Ovacome
4 months ago

new diagnosis - probable mucinous ovarian cancer

I've just been diagnosed with probable mucinous ovarian cancer. I had post menopausal bleeding and was sent for an US scan which showed a probable endometrioma and thickened uterine lining. My CA125 was 5 and my consultant thought OC was unlikely but sent for an MRI just in case.
I've just been diagnosed with probable mucinous ovarian cancer. I had post menopausal bleeding and was sent for an US scan which showed a probable endometrioma and thickened uterine lining. My CA125 was 5 and my consultant thought OC was unlikely but sent for an MRI just in case.
cavebaby profile image
cavebaby
in My Ovacome
4 months ago

Ovacome Raffle this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 💙 🎗️

Hi everyone Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is here 💙 🎗️ Why not kick off this month of fund and awareness raising in style by entering Ovacome’s fabulous OCAM raffle?
Hi everyone Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is here 💙 🎗️ Why not kick off this month of fund and awareness raising in style by entering Ovacome’s fabulous OCAM raffle?
TheOvacomeTeam profile image
TheOvacomeTeam
Partnerin My Ovacome
3 months ago

Mum just diagnosed

Am I right to think that with her symptoms so severe she is probably going to have advanced ovarian cancer probably stage 4 ? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
Am I right to think that with her symptoms so severe she is probably going to have advanced ovarian cancer probably stage 4 ? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
Dijkstra7 profile image
Dijkstra7
in My Ovacome
6 months ago

Scared, side effects

Just been diagnosed with stage 1c2 ovarian cancer. Full laparotomy removing all ladies bits and omentum. No cancer cells found in my omentum or ascites...all contained in tumour 14cm by 15cm but I have aggressive cancer clear cell carcinoma.
Just been diagnosed with stage 1c2 ovarian cancer. Full laparotomy removing all ladies bits and omentum. No cancer cells found in my omentum or ascites...all contained in tumour 14cm by 15cm but I have aggressive cancer clear cell carcinoma.
Bunnyj profile image
Bunnyj
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

Instagram account support

So to pass the time I’ve made a new instagram account to help try and spread awareness and positivity about ovarian cancer.
So to pass the time I’ve made a new instagram account to help try and spread awareness and positivity about ovarian cancer.
Mrs_Thomas profile image
Mrs_Thomas
in My Ovacome
4 months ago

Podcast episode about Christmas and living with cancer.

In this episode of “Living with Ovarian Cancer Podcast”, I’m talking about some of the ways that I’ve learned to cope over the years since my ovarian cancer diagnosis. I hope it helps in some small way. Please let me know what your thoughts are. 
In this episode of “Living with Ovarian Cancer Podcast”, I’m talking about some of the ways that I’ve learned to cope over the years since my ovarian cancer diagnosis. I hope it helps in some small way. Please let me know what your thoughts are. 
Levanah profile image
Levanah
in My Ovacome
6 months ago

What's on at Ovacome next week (week commencing 30 January 2023)?

This is a safe space for anyone supporting a loved one with an ovarian cancer diagnosis to connect with others in similar experiences.
This is a safe space for anyone supporting a loved one with an ovarian cancer diagnosis to connect with others in similar experiences.
OvacomeSupport profile image
OvacomeSupport
My Ovacome Teamin My Ovacome
4 months ago

My introduction.

And in April/May 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 3(high C ) ovarian cancer. I have had 7 rounds of chemo and debulking surgery. I am due to meet with my consultant next week to talk about parp inhibitors. My life seemed to have ended when I was diagnosed and everything changed.
And in April/May 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 3(high C ) ovarian cancer. I have had 7 rounds of chemo and debulking surgery. I am due to meet with my consultant next week to talk about parp inhibitors. My life seemed to have ended when I was diagnosed and everything changed.
Talkingpicture profile image
Talkingpicture
in My Ovacome
5 months ago

Mammagram recall

Full hysterectomy on October 5th 2021 and found it was stage 1 ovarian cancer and had 6 cycles of carboplatum. I am so so grateful and lucky to be out the other side. Oncologist says there's very very low risk of it ever coming back.
Full hysterectomy on October 5th 2021 and found it was stage 1 ovarian cancer and had 6 cycles of carboplatum. I am so so grateful and lucky to be out the other side. Oncologist says there's very very low risk of it ever coming back.
Weeworrier profile image
Weeworrier
in My Ovacome
8 days ago
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