Ovarian cancer is arguably one of the most important female cancers to talk about. It can present really subtly which means it’s often picked up at a late stage. To improve outcomes for patients, we need to pick it up earlier and one step in that direction is opening up conversations and making more women aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Ovarian cancer is cancer of the reproductive organs – the ovaries. It affects around 7500 women in the UK each year and whilst the exact cause is not known, it’s linked with increasing age, having more menstrual cycles/periods (starting periods early or having a late menopause), genetic factors (BRCA1/2 genes which can also cause breast cancer) and the common cancer risk factors like smoking or obesity. The pill gets a lot of bad press, but interestingly, taking the combined oral contraceptive pill appears to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer, as it can reduce ovulation and ovarian activity.
1. What do you need to be aware of?
Ovarian cancer is a nifty one – it often goes undiagnosed until it reaches the late stages because its symptoms are vague – for example it can present with bloating, stomach pain or feeling full quickly and this can be misdiagnosed for more common and less serious conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or even with needing to wee more often which is more commonly due to urinary tract infections.
2. When should I see a doctor?
I think we can all agree that we’ve experienced at least one of these symptoms at some point? Hence, it can often slip through the net. Ovarian cancer can also present as indigestion, changes to bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea), back pain, feeling tired all the time, losing weight without intending to, or bleeding after the menopause. If you’re young, these symptoms are probably nothing to worry about, but if these symptoms persist, or particularly if over the age of 50 or have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, then you do really need to run these symptoms by your doctor. It’s probably nothing to worry about but it’s always best to get checked out. Plus, if it is another condition – they can help you manage that!
3. Why am I not routinely tested for ovarian cancer?
Unlike breast cancer or cervical cancer – we don’t have mammograms, smear tests or any special test for ovarian cancer. And you can’t even really do any at home checks yourself. That’s why it’s even more important that you’re aware of the symptoms and go to your doctor early if something doesn’t feel right. No one is ever going to judge you for getting checked out if you think something is wrong with your body.
4. What if it turns out to be ovarian cancer?
We don’t like talking about the ‘c’ word because were worried if we look, we might find! But like many other cancers, if caught early ovarian cancer can have a good outcome.
Its World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th so this year I want you to read up, share this article with another female in your life -whether it’s your friend, mum, sister or auntie – sharing your knowledge and raising awareness is key to beating this cancer!
Dr Frankie
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