Ovarian cancer factfile

Ovarian cancer factfile

WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER?

A tumour can grow in the ovaries and spread to other parts of the reproductive system and the surrounding areas including the womb, vagina and stomach.

If it spreads, it can press on neighbouring organs such as the bowel or bladder, causing either constipation or frequent urination. There can also be a build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity and around the lungs causing shortness of breath.

WHO IS AT RISK?

It can affect women of any age, including as young as 30, particularly if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. It's most commonly found in those aged 50 and over.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most common symptoms are pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size or persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) and difficulty eating and feeling full quickly. Other symptoms such as urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habit, extreme fatigue or back pain may also be experienced.

It's important to bear in mind that it's most likely that these symptoms are not ovarian cancer, although they may be present in some women with the disease.

Professor Hani Gabra, director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College, says: "It's the persistence of the symptoms that's the key, and that they don't relate to a trigger, for example the bloating doesn't follow a meal that didn't agree with you."

WHAT CAN I DO?

See your GP as soon as possible. Ask him or her to consider whether your symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer.

You can also fill in a symptoms diary which you can download from www.ovarian.org.uk and where you can note the frequency of the symptoms.

If you are experiencing them almost every day, take the diary to your GP.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

If a GP suspects ovarian cancer, a patient will be referred for an ultrasound or CT scan and a CA125 blood test.

This may be followed by a biopsy to take a tissue sample to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy involving the drug Carboplatin, which may be used alone or in combination with another drug, Taxol.