What is

ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Persistent abdominal bloating, or an increase in abdominal size
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Difficulty eating, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
• The urge to urinate often

Though patients may also experience additional symptoms such as:

• Indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea or a change in bowel habits
• Lower back pain
• Menstrual inconsistencies (such as bleeding after menopause or between periods)
• Weight fluctuations
• Fatigue
• Discomfort or bleeding during sexual intercourse

As there is no early screening or detection test for ovarian cancer, it is critical that women consult a doctor if they experience the above symptoms for a period of more than three weeks.

• Age – the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases as women get older.
• Inherited genes – 20% of ovarian cancers arise in women who have inherited a gene mutation which makes them more likely to develop ovarian cancer. These women often have other family member who have had ovarian breast or bowel cancer. Women with BRCA 1 & 2 mutations or Lynch syndrome have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, than the general population.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors – tobacco smoking, obesity and lack of exercise can contribute to a greater risk of ovarian cancer.
• The use of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is also linked to an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• Medical conditions such as endometriosis
• Some factors reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, such as having children, use of the oral contraceptive pill and gynaecological surgery – tubal ligation (having your tubes tied).