Experiences with
Ovarian cancer

SymptomsDiagnosisMedical treatmentsCauses

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include feeling full or bloated, a swollen or painful tummy and loss of appetite.

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.

The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy.

It is not always known what causes ovarian cancer. But the risk increases with age, and sometimes it can run in families.

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 women aged 65 and over.

Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer.

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

It's still possible to get ovarian cancer even if you've had your ovaries removed. This is because ovarian cancer can also affect your fallopian tubes, or the lining inside your tummy (peritoneum).

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.