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Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, or cancer of the ovaries, is one of the most common types of cancer in women.

The ovaries are a pair of small organs located low in the tummy that are connected to the womb and store a woman's supply of eggs.

Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women.

Coronavirus advice

Get advice about coronavirus and cancer:

  • Macmillan: Coronavirus guidance for people with cancer
  • Cancer Research UK: Coronavirus and cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • feeling constantly bloated
  • a swollen tummy
  • discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
  • feeling full quickly when eating
  • needing to pee more often than usual

The symptoms are not always easy to recognise because they're similar to those of some more common conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

When to see a GP

See a GP if:

  • you have been feeling bloated, particularly more than 12 times a month
  • you have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that will not go away
  • you have a family history of ovarian cancer and are worried you may be at a higher risk of getting it

It's unlikely you have cancer, but it's best to check. A GP can do some simple tests to see if you have it.

Find out more about how ovarian cancer is diagnosed

If you have already seen a GP and your symptoms continue or get worse, go back to them and explain this.

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, a GP may refer you to a genetics specialist to discuss the option of genetic testing to check your ovarian cancer risk.

Causes of ovarian cancer

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown.

But some things may increase a woman's risk of getting it, such as:

  • being over the age of 50
  • a family history of ovarian or breast cancer – this could mean you have inherited genes that increase your cancer risk
  • hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – although any increase in cancer risk is likely to be very small
  • endometriosis – a condition where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found outside the womb
  • being overweight
  • smoking
  • lack of exercise
  • exposure to asbestos

Treatment for ovarian cancer

The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on things such as how far the cancer has spread and your general health.

The main treatments are:

  • surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible – this will often involve removing both ovaries, the womb and the tubes connecting them to each other (fallopian tubes)
  • chemotherapy – this is usually used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, but is occasionally used before surgery to shrink the cancer

Treatment will aim to cure the cancer whenever possible. If the cancer has spread too far to be cured, the aim is to relieve symptoms and control the cancer for as long as possible.

Outlook for ovarian cancer

The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of a cure.

But often it's not recognised until it's already spread and a cure is not possible.

Even after successful treatment, there's a high chance the cancer will come back within the next few years.

If it does come back, it cannot usually be cured. But chemotherapy may help reduce the symptoms and keep the cancer under control for several months or years.

Overall, around half of women with ovarian cancer will live for at least 5 years after diagnosis, and about 1 in 3 will live at least 10 years.

Cancer Research UK has more information about the survival statistics for ovarian cancer.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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Online groups, talks and workshops with Ovacome this week

London Ovarian Cancer Support Group (previously meeting at Maggie's Barts but open to all people diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the London area) - Monday 11 January, 3.30-5pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/london-support-group-event Gentle Home Exercise Class - Tuesday 12 January, 2-3pm https://
London Ovarian Cancer Support Group (previously meeting at Maggie's Barts but open to all people diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the London area) - Monday 11 January, 3.30-5pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/london-support-group-event Gentle Home Exercise Class - Tuesday 12 January, 2-3pm https://
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome

Living with Ovarian Cancer podcast and blog

This is her description of the podcast: "Living with Ovarian Cancer is a Podcast full of inspiring stories told by Women or their loved ones, who themselves have lived with or are still living with Ovarian Cancer. Each Woman’s story is unique and is told from the heart in their own words.
This is her description of the podcast: "Living with Ovarian Cancer is a Podcast full of inspiring stories told by Women or their loved ones, who themselves have lived with or are still living with Ovarian Cancer. Each Woman’s story is unique and is told from the heart in their own words.
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome

Survey of Attitudes to Research in Gynaecology

The research could lead to earlier diagnosis by finding changes that blood samples can be tested for and give clinicians more knowledge about responses to treatment for ovarian cancer.
The research could lead to earlier diagnosis by finding changes that blood samples can be tested for and give clinicians more knowledge about responses to treatment for ovarian cancer.
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome
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Can anyone tell me about topotecan experiences

I am about to start a course of topotecan as third line for ovarian cancer, having previously tried carbo/paclitaxol, followed by Caelyx which I felt was helping but was deemed to have failed. Has anyone had topotecan and how did it go?
I am about to start a course of topotecan as third line for ovarian cancer, having previously tried carbo/paclitaxol, followed by Caelyx which I felt was helping but was deemed to have failed. Has anyone had topotecan and how did it go?
Fishfinger4
in SHARE Ovarian Cancer Support

More chemo but a different one !!

Good evening everyone, I’ve stage 4 ovarian cancer ,diagnosed in January 2019 I’ve had 6 rounds of chemo, surgery then 3 more rounds of chemo then 18 ‘ Bevs’ . On Thursday I start 6 rounds of Caelyx & carbo . Iam positive but would welcome any tips for this new chemo.
Good evening everyone, I’ve stage 4 ovarian cancer ,diagnosed in January 2019 I’ve had 6 rounds of chemo, surgery then 3 more rounds of chemo then 18 ‘ Bevs’ . On Thursday I start 6 rounds of Caelyx & carbo . Iam positive but would welcome any tips for this new chemo.
W6W3
in My Ovacome

Ovacome webinar 5.30-6.30pm tomorrow on Surgery for ovarian cancer: latest developments

She will be talking through some of the latest developments in research around surgery for ovarian cancer.
She will be talking through some of the latest developments in research around surgery for ovarian cancer.
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome

Cancer and Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration

Reoccurance of clear cell ovarian cancer, chemo sensitive, April 2020. Finished carbo/gem August 2020. Had a horrible time with chemo and strange symptoms. Had so many test and scans and now I'm now being tested for Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. Has anyone been diagnosed with this.
Reoccurance of clear cell ovarian cancer, chemo sensitive, April 2020. Finished carbo/gem August 2020. Had a horrible time with chemo and strange symptoms. Had so many test and scans and now I'm now being tested for Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. Has anyone been diagnosed with this.
Hidden
in My Ovacome

Caelyx

My mom had surgery for Stage 3C sierosus ovarian cancer and then had 6 chemo of carbonplatium+taxol then she had 5 months of bevacizumab (avastin) and then cancer was back again... so now Caelyx. Any experiences you may share? Thanks a lot in advance take care everyone
My mom had surgery for Stage 3C sierosus ovarian cancer and then had 6 chemo of carbonplatium+taxol then she had 5 months of bevacizumab (avastin) and then cancer was back again... so now Caelyx. Any experiences you may share? Thanks a lot in advance take care everyone
manumezza
in My Ovacome

Ovarian cancer query

No infection found but Dr there has red flagged me to gynae to rule out ovarian cancer. My mother died from ovarian cancer so think that is why I'm getting seen urgently. My ca125 level is normal...
No infection found but Dr there has red flagged me to gynae to rule out ovarian cancer. My mother died from ovarian cancer so think that is why I'm getting seen urgently. My ca125 level is normal...
Hidden
in My Ovacome

Virtual support from Ovacome and Ovarian Cancer Action this week

home Q&A with Cancer Exercise Specialist Lizzy Davis - Tuesday 6 October, 2-3pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/exercising-at-home-qa Staffordshire ovarian cancer support group - Tuesday 6 October, 3-4.30pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/staffordshire-ovarian-cancer-support-group Strategies for
home Q&A with Cancer Exercise Specialist Lizzy Davis - Tuesday 6 October, 2-3pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/exercising-at-home-qa Staffordshire ovarian cancer support group - Tuesday 6 October, 3-4.30pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/staffordshire-ovarian-cancer-support-group Strategies for
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome

I’m 22 having pain in my ovary could this be ovarian cancer?

Even during the night and comes on suddenly, I read and seem to have most symptoms on ovarian cancer. Can someone help me?
Even during the night and comes on suddenly, I read and seem to have most symptoms on ovarian cancer. Can someone help me?
Ryaheath
in My Ovacome

Avastin side effects

Hi 👋🏻 I am currently on 3 weekly Avastin maintenance treatment following remission after 6 cycles of Taxol/Carbo for stage 4b ovarian cancer.
Hi 👋🏻 I am currently on 3 weekly Avastin maintenance treatment following remission after 6 cycles of Taxol/Carbo for stage 4b ovarian cancer.
Fahoona
in My Ovacome

Newbie

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum,my mum was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in November 2020,she also has heart failure so her treatment was debunk surgery and then chemo as her heart needs to be at its strongest for the op.she was supposed to have the op 2nd Feb but all cancer ops were cancelled
Hi everyone I'm new to this forum,my mum was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in November 2020,she also has heart failure so her treatment was debunk surgery and then chemo as her heart needs to be at its strongest for the op.she was supposed to have the op 2nd Feb but all cancer ops were cancelled
Scotty38
in My Ovacome

Virtual support from Ovacome and Ovarian Cancer Action this week

cancer: latest developments - Thursday 15 October, 5.30-6.30pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/surgery-for-ovarian-cancer-latest-developments Friday afternoon chat and Q&A - Friday 16 October, 1.30-3.30pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/friday-group Ovacome Virtual Choir - Sunday 18 October, 3.30
cancer: latest developments - Thursday 15 October, 5.30-6.30pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/surgery-for-ovarian-cancer-latest-developments Friday afternoon chat and Q&A - Friday 16 October, 1.30-3.30pm https://www.ovacome.org.uk/Event/friday-group Ovacome Virtual Choir - Sunday 18 October, 3.30
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome

Now to try topotecan

I was diagnosed with probable ovarian cancer in September 2019, although the histology was, apparently, not easy to classify. I had a few rounds of carboplatin/paclitaxel, which help things at bay for a while, then 3 doses of Caelyx which apparantly was not working although I felt well on it.
I was diagnosed with probable ovarian cancer in September 2019, although the histology was, apparently, not easy to classify. I had a few rounds of carboplatin/paclitaxel, which help things at bay for a while, then 3 doses of Caelyx which apparantly was not working although I felt well on it.
Fishfinger4
in My Ovacome

Concerned about Ovarian Cancer

Should I be concerned that this is ovarian cancer? The belly bloat has me looking like I am about 4 months pregnant and I feel very self conscious about it. Please help!
Should I be concerned that this is ovarian cancer? The belly bloat has me looking like I am about 4 months pregnant and I feel very self conscious about it. Please help!
Fluffypinkalien
in SHARE Ovarian Cancer Support

New here looking for help

Had a devastating news of being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in its advanced stages. Have done the debulking surgery and now recovering. Advised for chemotheraphy for further treatment. Anyone in this situation and have some positive news on this?
Had a devastating news of being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in its advanced stages. Have done the debulking surgery and now recovering. Advised for chemotheraphy for further treatment. Anyone in this situation and have some positive news on this?
Shinebright2020
in My Ovacome

Chance to raise awareness of ovarian cancer by voting for Ovacome member Adele Sewell for a Woman & Home Amazing Women Award by 31 July

Adele, who was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, was an Ovacome trustee for several years and continues to support us in many different ways.
Adele, who was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, was an Ovacome trustee for several years and continues to support us in many different ways.
OvacomeSupportAdministrator
in My Ovacome

Mucinous Ovarian cancer at 27

After 3 months it came back and it was Mucinous ovarian cancer in the same ovary! I also had a new Mucinous cyst in my left ovary but it was benign. Anyway my doctor performed surgery he removed my right ovary along with fallopian tube and appendix and the cyst in the left ovary.
After 3 months it came back and it was Mucinous ovarian cancer in the same ovary! I also had a new Mucinous cyst in my left ovary but it was benign. Anyway my doctor performed surgery he removed my right ovary along with fallopian tube and appendix and the cyst in the left ovary.
Memo_
in My Ovacome

New Ovarian Cancer Patient

Just diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Don’t know what stage. Was told I will have surgery. Waiting for an appointment with gynecologist oncology surgeon for exam and surgery schedule. Anxious, scared and dreading all procedures.
Just diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Don’t know what stage. Was told I will have surgery. Waiting for an appointment with gynecologist oncology surgeon for exam and surgery schedule. Anxious, scared and dreading all procedures.
Newquilter66
in SHARE Ovarian Cancer Support
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