March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Our cancer information development nurse, Hilary, explains why the focus this year is on knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
More than 7000 women a year in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovary). Unfortunately, it’s a cancer that tends to be diagnosed in the later or more advanced stages of the disease.
This is partly because the symptoms can be a bit vague and are often similar to symptoms of other less serious conditions. This can lead to delays in getting the right tests and a diagnosis. It means the cancer may not be found in the early stages before it has spread.
Because of this, it is particularly important to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The main symptoms are:
Other symptoms may include:
You might be reading this list of symptoms and thinking, ‘I get a few of these sometimes – should I be worried?’. It’s a good question and the answer isn’t totally straightforward! The key thing to think about is how often you have the symptoms and whether you already know the cause.
If you have any of the symptoms for no reason or you get them regularly (especially if it’s more than 12 times a month), a doctor should be checking for ovarian cancer. They may also check for ovarian cancer if you are aged 50 or older and develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for the first time. IBS is a common condition that can cause bloating and changes in bowel habit. However, it doesn’t usually start after the age of 50.
Sometimes people put off seeing a doctor about symptoms that don’t seem that serious, or that they are embarrassed about. But it’s important to talk to your GP if you have these symptoms. Don’t put it off or let your embarrassment get in the way.
If you want more information about ovarian cancer, have a look in our booklet Understanding cancer of the ovary or on our website. You can also find out more about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week at ocam.org.uk
To see what else Macmillan's cancer information team has been blogging about, please visit our blog home page! You can subscribe to receive our blogs by email or RSS too.
We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
Comments? Feel free to add them below (you need to be logged in).
Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
