Ovarian cancer. How much do you know about it?
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Ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Catching it early could improve your chances of not only overcoming it, but also making a full recovery
From the archive: Mountain Rescue Magazine Spring issue 80, April 2022: Kath Savage, the Fire Fighters Charity Nursing Services Lead.
There are currently no screening options, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms to watch for.
What causes it?
While it’s unclear exactly what causes these cells to grow at such a rate, there are some factors which may put you at increased risk:
• Increasing age: Your risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Most cases occur after the menopause. About 8 in 10 women are diagnosed over 50, but some rare types can develop in younger women too.
• Family history: If a family member — particularly a close relative such as a mother or sister — have had ovarian cancer, you are at increased risk of developing it.
• Endometriosis: Research has shown that women with endometriosis may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
• Being overweight: Having excess body fat has been linked to a heightened risk of getting ovarian cancer.
• Smoking: Like other forms of cancer, smoking can increase the risk of a diagnosis.
What are the symptoms?
With no screening currently available for ovarian cancer, it is vitally important you are aware of the symptoms — as catching it early will ultimately give you the best chance of survival.
Symptoms can be difficult to recognise early on. They are often the same as those seen with less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or pre-menstrual syndrome. The most common are:
• Feeling bloated
• A swollen tummy
• Discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
• Feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite
• Needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual.
Other symptoms can include:
• Persistent indigestion or feeling sick
• Pain during sex
• A change in your bowel habits
• Back pain
• Vaginal bleeding (particularly after the menopause)
• Feeling tired all the time
• Unintentional weight loss.
What to do if you have any of these symptoms
Often these symptoms will be a sign of something less serious. However, if they’re not normal to you and continue to occur — particularly more than twelve times in a month — speak to your GP. Especially if you are over 50 or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
At your first appointment you will be asked about your symptoms, general health and family medical history.
Your GP will then feel around your abdomen to check for lumps and swelling, before doing an internal examination and blood test. This will test for CA125, which is produced by some ovarian cancer cells. It’s also important to note that this can also be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids or even pregnancy.
If there is further cause for concern, you will receive an ultrasound scan — before being referred to a specialist if any further abnormalities are found.
What are the treatment options?
Surgery to remove all, or as much of the cancer as possible, is the main treatment option. This usually involves removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as the womb, and can mean up to three months of recovery time. You may also be given chemotherapy in combination with the surgery. It is major surgery and may mean you need to take time off work. You will also need to avoid driving for a month and any heavy lifting for three months — but you will be supported by a dedicated healthcare team throughout.
If both your ovaries have been removed and you have not been through the menopause, you will experience it after treatment. Your GP may suggest taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to control any menopausal symptoms, until you reach the natural age for the menopause. Dealing with cancer can be difficult for you and your family, both physically and emotionally, but talking to someone can be hugely beneficial.
To find out more…
Cancer Research UK and the NHS Health A-Z are good starting points to find out more about how ovarian cancer can affect you and the treatment options available.
