Experiences with
Ovarian cancerA 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

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