Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Knowing the Symptoms That Matter
March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity to talk about a condition that is often missed until it is advanced. Ovarian cancer is sometimes referred to as a “silent” disease, but there can be subtle, ongoing changes that are easy to dismiss. Knowing what to look out for and trusting your instincts could make all the difference.
The challenge is that the symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for common, less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stress or hormonal changes. Recognising persistent symptoms and seeking medical advice early can make a significant difference.
In the UK, around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, making it the sixth most common cancer in women, or individuals with ovaries. Currently, only 3 in 10 individuals diagnosed will live for 10 years or more following their diagnosis. These figures highlight why increasing awareness and recognising symptoms earlier is so important.
By recognising symptoms earlier and encouraging individuals to seek assessment promptly, we can work towards a future where ovarian cancer is detected sooner, and survival rates improve. Raising awareness empowers women to trust their instincts, seek help without delay, and ultimately change the stories and outcomes associated with this disease.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer develops when cells in the ovary begin to change, grow abnormally and divide in an uncontrolled way, forming a tumour. If it is not detected at an early stage, the cancer can spread, most commonly within the pelvis and abdominal cavity. In some cases, what is referred to as ovarian cancer may actually begin in the fallopian tubes or the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum), as these tissues are closely connected.
As with most cancers, ovarian cancer is more common in individuals over 50 and after menopause, but it can affect younger women too. Because symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked, recognising changes early is key to improving outcomes. There are several different types of ovarian cancer. The most common is epithelial ovarian cancer, but other, rarer types also exist.
Epithelial ovarian cancer
This develops from the cells on the surface of the ovary, and accounts for the majority of ovarian cancer cases. Sub-types include:
Serous
Endometrioid
Clear cell
Mucinous
Undifferentiated or unclassified
Fallopian tube cancer
Many cancers previously thought to start in the ovary are now believed to begin in the fallopian tubes. These are treated in the same way as ovarian cancer.
Primary peritoneal cancer
This is rare but closely related to epithelial ovarian cancer. It develops in the peritoneum, the thin lining inside the abdomen that covers the abdominal organs. Treatment is similar to that for ovarian cancer.
Germ cell ovarian cancer
This rare type begins in the cells that produce eggs. It most often affects teenagers and younger women. Some germ cell tumours are non-cancerous (benign).
Stromal ovarian cancer (sex cord stromal tumours)
These develop in the cells that support and hold the ovaries together. Granulosa cell tumours are the most common subtype. Some stromal tumours are benign.
Small cell ovarian cancer
This is very rare and typically affects younger women and people with ovaries.
Secondary (metastatic) cancer in the ovaries
Cancer that begins elsewhere in the body can sometimes spread to the ovaries.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and are often similar to those of other, less serious conditions. The key difference is that ovarian cancer symptoms are usually persistent, frequent, and new for you. The main symptoms include:
Persistent bloating or an increase in abdominal size (not bloating that comes and goes)
Feeling full quickly, loss of appetite, or nausea
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Needing to pass urine more urgently or more often
Changes in bowel habits
Less common symptoms can include:
Unexplained back pain
Unintentional weight loss
Ongoing fatigue
New or unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly after menopause
If these symptoms persist on most days for three weeks or more, seek medical advice. While most cases are caused by less serious conditions, persistent symptoms deserve assessment. The earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available and the better the outcomes.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries, and in many cases, we do not know exactly what causes it. However, certain factors are known to increase the risk:
Age - Ovarian cancer can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. More than half of cases in the UK are diagnosed in women over 65.
Family History and Genetics - Inherited gene changes can increase risk. The most well-known are BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and Lynch Syndrome. A strong family history of ovarian, breast, womb, bowel, or prostate cancer can also indicate a higher risk. If this applies to you, a genetic risk assessment with your GP or specialist clinic may be recommended.
Ovulation and Fertility - Every time an egg is released, the surface of the ovary breaks and repairs itself. Repeated cycles of ovulation may increase the chance of abnormal cells forming. Factors that reduce ovulation, such as using the contraceptive pill, having multiple pregnancies, or breastfeeding may lower the risk.
Endometriosis - This condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, may slightly increase the risk of certain rare types of ovarian or peritoneal cancer.
Other possible risk factors include:
Being overweight
Smoking
Exposure to asbestos or radiation
Diabetes
Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Never having been pregnant
How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
If you are at higher risk, are experiencing persistent symptoms, or have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, please get in touch with your GP or come and see us for a thorough genetic risk assessment and consultation. We could arrange for the following tests for further investigation:
Blood Test (CA125) - This test measures a protein called CA125, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer. However, CA125 can also be raised in conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. A raised CA125 does not automatically mean cancer, and around half of women with early-stage ovarian cancer may not have an elevated CA125. If your CA125 is raised, an ultrasound scan is usually recommended.
Ultrasound Scan - An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries. It may be done transvaginally (with a probe inside the vagina) or abdominally (over the tummy). The scan helps to assess the size, shape, and texture of the ovaries and identify any cysts or abnormalities.
If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, additional tests will determine the extent and stage of the cancer, and may include:
CT Scan - Provides detailed images to help guide treatment decisions.
Biopsy - A small tissue sample may be taken, sometimes guided by imaging, to confirm the diagnosis and test for genetic changes such as BRCA mutations.
What is the treatment for Ovarian Cancer?
Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, tailored to the individual by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which may include gynaecologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and clinical nurse specialists.
Depending on the stage and type of cancer, surgery may involve:
Removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
Removing the womb and cervix (total hysterectomy)
Removing the top part of the vagina (vaginal cuff)
Removing the omentum, a layer of fatty tissue covering abdominal organs
Occasionally, parts of the bowel may be removed, and a temporary or permanent stoma may be required
Surgery may be done before chemotherapy (primary debulking) or after a few cycles of chemotherapy (interval debulking), depending on your case. Chemotherapy may be given:
Before surgery (neo-adjuvant) – usually 3-4 cycles
After surgery (adjuvant) – usually 2-3 cycles
If surgery isn’t suitable, 6 cycles of chemotherapy may be given alone
Your oncologist will explain the treatment plan in detail and answer any questions, including potential side effects and expected outcomes.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
You should seek urgent medical advice if you experience any sudden or severe abdominal pain, any rapid abdominal swelling or post-menopausal bleeding. You know your body better than anyone else. Persistent bloating that doesn’t settle, pain that keeps returning, or feeling full unusually quickly are not symptoms you should ignore, particularly if they are new and persistent. Early assessment provides reassurance in most cases and enables prompt treatment where needed.
At Shropshire Health, we offer prompt clinical assessment for ongoing or concerning symptoms. If appropriate, we can arrange blood tests, imaging and onward referral without delay. If you are worried about persistent symptoms, please contact us for assessment, as early action is the best way to support your health.
