According to Target Ovarian Cancer, around 7,400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK – making it the sixth most common cancer in women. And the majority of cases occur in women over 50.
While these stats may sound scary, the good news is that, when diagnosed at its earliest stage, around nine in 10 women survive the disease. So, learning about possible symptoms to look out for can go a long way in helping to reduce its impact.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ovarian cancer, including symptoms, risks, prevention, and treatment.
What is ovarian cancer?
The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus that are responsible for producing reproductive eggs.
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow in the ovaries. If not caught early, these cells can eventually form a growth (tumour) and spread to other areas of the body.
Ovarian cancer can occur in several different parts of the ovary, including the epithelial (the outer layer of the ovary), germ cells (cells that become eggs), or stromal cells (cells that make up the ovary).
The diagram below shows how ovarian cancer can progress if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually persistent and frequent – typically occurring more than 12 times each month.
According to the NHS, some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include…
- Feeling full quickly
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent bloating or an increase in the size of your abdomen
- Pain in your tummy or pelvis that doesn’t go away
- Needing to urinate more often
These symptoms are likely to begin suddenly and feel different from normal digestion or menstrual discomfort.
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include…
- Unexplained tiredness
- Lower back pain
- Indigestion
- Acne
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Extreme fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Experiencing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as diarrhoea or constipation – especially if this starts after the age of 50
Note: Many of these symptoms can be caused by other less serious conditions, but it’s important to make an appointment with your GP if you have any concerns.
Health checks for living well, longer
We all have different reasons for getting health checks – reassurance, motivation, curiosity.
With Bupa, you’ll find the health check that gives you the right knowledge for you. Because when you know what’s going on, you’re empowered to take action, and feel better.
What causes ovarian cancer?
It’s still unclear exactly what causes ovarian cancer, but there are some factors that may increase your risk. These include…
Age
While women of any age can get ovarian cancer, as with most cancers, the risk increases with age.
According to Target Ovarian Cancer, most cases occur in women who have already gone through menopause – over half of cases diagnosed are in women over 65.
Genetics
Research shows that between 5-15% of ovarian cancers are caused by genetics. Those whose mother or sister have been affected by ovarian cancer are around three times more at risk.
Inherited genes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer include faulty versions of BRCA1 and BRCA2, as well as Lynch syndrome (an inherited cancer syndrome).
It’s important to speak to your GP if you’re concerned about your family history of ovarian cancer. They’ll be able to advise you on whether a referral to a genetics service is advisable.
Previous cancer
Anyone previously diagnosed with breast cancer has an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
This risk is higher in women diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, and those with oestrogen receptor negative (ER negative) breast cancer.
Using hormone replacement therapy
Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. In the UK, 4% of ovarian cancer cases are linked to HRT use.
However, it’s important to note that the increase in risk is small, and many women find HRT helpful for treating their menopausal symptoms.
You can seek further guidance from your GP. You may also find our article, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) explained, useful.
Being overweight
Research shows that overweight adults have a 16% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and obese adults have a 30% increased risk.
Certain medical conditions
Studies show that women with endometriosis or diabetes have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Those who use insulin may have a higher risk, too.
Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of certain types of ovarian cancers. The longer you’ve smoked, the greater the risk.
If you’d like support stopping smoking, check out our article: 7 tips for quitting smoking.
Exposure to asbestos
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant insulating material. It’s made up of tiny fibres that can be breathed in when in close contact.
It’s been classified as a cause of ovarian cancer. Though, its use was banned in the UK in the late 1990s.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
It’s important to visit your GP if you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer. They’ll examine you and refer you for tests and to see a specialist if necessary.
There’s currently no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK because there isn’t a test that reliably identifies the disease at an early stage.
Some of the tests used to diagnose ovarian cancer include blood tests, ultrasound scans, CT scans, image-guided biopsies, laparoscopy (an operation to look inside your abdomen), and removal of abdominal fluid to check for cancer cells.
You can find more information about these tests on the Cancer Research UK website.
Health checks for living well, longer
We all have different reasons for getting health checks – reassurance, motivation, curiosity.
With Bupa, you’ll find the health check that gives you the right knowledge for you. Because when you know what’s going on, you’re empowered to take action, and feel better.
Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
There’s currently no known way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, there are a few things that may lower your risk. These include…
Using birth control pills for five years or more
Studies show that the risk of ovarian cancer is roughly 50% lower in women who have taken birth control pills for five years or longer.
Gynecologic surgery
Having tubal ligation (where your tubes are tied), both ovaries removed, or a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the uterus and sometimes the cervix) may reduce the risk of developing certain types of ovarian cancer.
Giving birth and breastfeeding
A woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer decreases each time she gives birth. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk.
This may be because you don’t ovulate while pregnant or breastfeeding. The fewer times you ovulate in your lifetime, the lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
Other lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce your risk.
If you’re concerned about your risk of ovarian cancer, it’s worth discussing this with your doctor. They’ll be able to accurately determine your risk level and suggest an appropriate preventative strategy.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Treatment of ovarian cancer largely depends on the type and stage of cancer.
We’ll cover some of the options below.
Surgery
Surgery can be used to remove the cancer.
During surgery, a surgeon will aim to remove all cancerous tissue and may take a biopsy to see if the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries. For those who don’t want to become pregnant in the future or are past childbearing age, the aim is usually to remove as much cancer as possible, which can include removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, omentum, and affected surrounding tissue.
The surgery needed will also depend on the stage of cancer. For example, if it’s spread to other parts of your body, then further surgery – such as removing parts of the bowel – may be necessary.
For more information, have a read of this guide from Ovarian Cancer Action.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. You may have chemotherapy before or after surgery, or on its own.
Chemotherapy can be provided intravenously (via veins) or through the abdomen (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy).
Cancer Research UK has more information about chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
It’s not used that often to treat ovarian cancer, but you may receive radiotherapy to try and shrink the cancer or to reduce symptoms.
You can read more about radiotherapy for ovarian cancer on Cancer Research UK’s website.
Targeted therapies
Targeted therapies are designed to stop the spread of cancer by blocking the genetic changes responsible for its growth.
Ovarian Cancer Action has more information on targeted therapy for ovarian cancer.
Hormone therapy
Some types of ovarian cancer require the hormone oestrogen to grow. While rarely used as treatment, in some cases, hormone therapy can be used to block the production of oestrogen.
You can read up on hormone therapy on Ovarian Cancer Action’s website.
Health checks for living well, longer
We all have different reasons for getting health checks – reassurance, motivation, curiosity.
With Bupa, you’ll find the health check that gives you the right knowledge for you. Because when you know what’s going on, you’re empowered to take action, and feel better.
Help and support for those affected by ovarian cancer
If you’ve been affected by ovarian cancer and are looking for support, there are a number of charities that offer guidance, help, and information.
These include…
- Target Ovarian Cancer – offers services including a support line and online community where you can access digital information, find events, and speak to others affected by ovarian cancer.
- Macmillan Cancer Support – offers information and support services for anyone affected by cancer, including an online community and opportunities to ask experts questions.
- Cancer Research UK – offers information and support services including an ‘ask a nurse’ service and an online chat forum.
- Ovacome – UK ovarian cancer support charity providing information, guidance, and resources including a symptom diary and an online forum.
- The Eve Appeal – leading UK charity funding research and raising awareness of the five gynaecological cancers: ovarian, womb, cervical, vulval, and vaginal.
- Maggie’s – offers practical, emotional, and social support for anyone affected by cancer in centres across the UK and online.
- Marie Curie* – provides care and support to anyone affected by a terminal illness.
Final thoughts…
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK.
While its cause isn’t fully understood, understanding the risk factors and early warning signs can go a long way in helping reduce its impact.
For further reading, head over to the health section of our website. Or, our article, 11 important health checks, has information about screening tests recommended for over 50s.
Have you had any experience with ovarian cancer? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
