90% of women do not know the four main symptoms of ovarian cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer starts when abnormal cells in and around the ovary and fallopian tubes grow and divide in an uncontrolled way and form a cancerous tumour (malignant). The cancerous cells grow into surrounding tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.

There are several different types of ovarian cancer and type of cancer depends on the type of cell and tissue the cancer starts in.

Ovarian cancer is most common in women over 50, particularly those who have gone through menopause. However, it can also affect younger women.

Risk factors include having a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, certain genetic mutations, and never having been pregnant.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are common among other, less serious, illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome.

• persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)

• feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite

• pain in your tummy or pelvis (the area between your hip bones)

• needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual

Sometimes there can be other symptoms: 

• changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
• fatigue (feeling very tired)
• losing weight without trying

The symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, are not always obvious. If you regularly experience any one or more of these symptoms it's important that you contact your GP, even if they're mild. Ask about ovarian cancer specifically and keep a note of your symptoms if that helps you explain how often they’re occurring. 

Your GP should arrange for a CA125 blood test. They may also order ultrasound scans of your ovaries and tummy. If your symptoms don't go away, go back to your GP or ask for a second opinion within a month.