Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women in the UK, with around 7,500 women diagnosed each year. While symptoms may be subtle, many women do experience warning signs. Symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions such as ovarian cysts or urinary tract infections, leading to delays in diagnosis.
As awareness continues to grow, understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection has never been more important.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells present in the ovaries begin to grow uncontrollably. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.
There are several types of ovarian cancer, with epithelial being the most common. Like many cancers, outcomes are generally better when the disease is detected and treated early.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer
The symptoms can be vague and may overlap with other health conditions. However, you should never ignore persistent symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent bloating or a swollen abdomen
- Feeling full quickly whilst eating
- Loss of appetite
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Extreme fatigue
If these symptoms occur frequently, are persistent, or represent a change from what is normal for you, it is important to speak with your GP. For more information, visit the NHS website.
Who is of higher risk of ovarian cancer?
While ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries, certain factors may increase risk, including:
- Age – The risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over 50.
- Family history – A history of ovarian, breast, prostate, or pancreatic cancer may increase risk, particularly when inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 are involved.
- Endometriosis – Research suggests that women with endometriosis may have a higher risk of developing certain types of ovarian cancer.
- Lifestyle factors – Being overweight, smoking, and hormonal imbalances may contribute to an increased risk.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop ovarian cancer, but understanding personal risk can help support informed conversations with healthcare professionals.
Why early diagnosis matters
Depending on which stage ovarian cancer is diagnosed has a significant impact on treatment options and outcomes.
If detected before it has spread, treatment is often more effective, and survival rates are considerably higher.
This is why awareness is so important. Knowing the signs and acting on persistent symptoms can make a real difference as around 39% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive for 10 years or more.
Diagnosis and treatment
Nearly 40% of women are diagnosed following an emergency hospital admission, often indicating a later-stage diagnosis.
GP’s may arrange blood tests and imaging such as an ultrasound scan. Further investigations may be required to confirm a diagnosis, but your GP will let you know more about this.
Treatment will depend on the type of cancer and what stage it is:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors
- Participation in clinical trials where appropriate
Your healthcare professional will discuss the treatment best suited to you, to help you get the best possible care.
New life-extending drug
A new targeted therapy was introduced earlier this month, which will be offered to patients living with ovarian cancer who have stopped responding to standard chemotherapy.
The drug combines a ‘homing’ antibody, by attaching to ovarian cancer cells that have a protein called folate receptor alpha (FRα) on their surface. It then releases a cancer-killing molecule which destroys the cell from within.
This new treatment has delayed cancer progression and prolonged survival, with patients living 16.5 months on average compared to 12.8 months with chemotherapy.
Supporting yourself and others
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be overwhelming, but support is available. Speaking openly with healthcare professionals, family members, support groups, and charities can help patients and their loved ones navigate treatment and recovery.
For further help, please contact the support lines below:
Helpline: 07503 682 311 or Freephone 0800 008 7054
Text and WhatsApp: 07503 682 311
Email: support@ovacome.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 0000
Helpline: 020 7923 5475
Email: support@targetovariancancer.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 123 1801
Together we can help beat ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge, but increased awareness, improved diagnostic pathways, and advances in treatment are helping to improve people’s outcomes.
Understanding the symptoms, recognising risk factors, and seeking medical advice when concerns arise are all important steps in the fight against the disease. While not every symptom will indicate cancer, listening to your body and acting on persistent changes could make all the difference.
Your health matters, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
For more health information and articles, visit our Primary Care 24 blog.
