Wednesday 04 October 2023
ÐÇ̽Â鶹's
You may be worried about ovarian cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.
This page has information about ovarian cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how ÐÇ̽Â鶹 can help.
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Ovarian cancer is a cancer that starts in the ovary.
It starts when cells in the ovary grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.
Ovarian cancer is most common in women.
Some trans men and non-binary people can get ovarian cancer too.
There are several different types of ovarian cancer, including:
Ovarian cancer can be primary or secondary.
Primary ovarian cancer is ovarian cancer that has not spread beyond the ovaries, nearby lymph nodes or pelvis.
Secondary ovarian cancer is when the cancer has spread from the ovary to other parts of the body.
This is sometimes called advanced ovarian cancer, metastatic ovarian cancer or stage 4 ovarian cancer.
Primary peritoneal cancer starts in the lining of the abdomen, and fallopian tube cancer starts in the fallopian tubes.
They are both treated in the same way as epithelial ovarian cancer.
What causes ovarian cancer is often unknown, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing it.
Some of these risk factors are specific to ovarian cancer, including:
Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.
Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get ovarian cancer.
It is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.
You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of ovarian cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.
Ovarian cancer sometimes has early signs. The BEAT checklist can help you recognise the main symptoms:
B – bloating or a swollen tummy
E – eating difficulty, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full more quickly
A – abdominal (tummy) pain, or pain between the hips
T – toilet changes, such as needing to pee (urinate) more often or urgently, or pooing more or less often, diarrhoea or feeling constipated
Other symptoms may include:
Most people with these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer.
If you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor.
If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.
If you have been having symptoms of ovarian cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.
Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms.
You should also tell them about any previous ovarian problems you have had, and if you have a family history of ovarian, breast or prostate cancer.
The doctor might:
If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.
Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.
A gynaecologist is a specialist in the female reproductive system, including the ovaries.
To find the cause of your symptoms, a gynaecologist may arrange further tests, such as:
A pelvic exam is usually painless, but it can feel uncomfortable.
You can ask for a chaperone or bring someone for support if you would prefer.
After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.
Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that asking some questions and preparing for your results helps. Find out more about how ÐÇ̽Â鶹 can help.
The doctor will explain if you have ovarian cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the ovaries.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have ovarian cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.
Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.
Find your nearest ÐÇ̽Â鶹 to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.
Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes.
It is common to have more than one type of treatment for ovarian cancer, such as:
Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.
You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.
Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how ÐÇ̽Â鶹 can support you.
An ovarian cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:
Contact or visit your nearest ÐÇ̽Â鶹 centre and together we will find the right support for you.
You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.
When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.
For many people, ovarian cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.
We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.
We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.
Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027
An overview of ovarian cancer, including the symptoms, causes, tests and treatments.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Using the B.E.A.T. acronym to recognise the four main symptoms of ovarian cancer.
From Ovacome
Last reviewed: 19 November 2024
Information about getting referred to a specialist, and UK referral guidelines.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about ovarian cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and support.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
A glossary to get to grips with medical terminology and jargon relating to ovarian cancer.
From Target Ovarian Cancer
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about genetic faults, hereditary cancer risk and cancer prevention options relating to ovarian cancer.
From Ovarian Cancer Action
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
A free, nurse-led information service that you can call or email to ask any questions related to gynaecological health.
From The Eve Appeal
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information for women with ovarian cancer about how treatment may cause early menopause in younger women and worsening symptoms for older women.
From Ovacome
Last reviewed: 13 January 2022
Support for people affected by ovarian cancer, including a support line, online forum, support groups and more.
From Ovacome
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about the staging and grading systems used to understand if and how the cancer has spread (the stage) and how different your cancer cells look to normal cells (the grade).
From Target Ovarian Cancer
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information about preparing for treatment, as well as treatment options and follow-ups for ovarian cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Guidance on the support available when you are dealing with the physical and emotional impact of an ovarian cancer recurrence.
From Target Ovarian Cancer
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
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