What are ovarian cancer’s signs and symptoms, how is it treated, is there a blood test and who’s at risk?
Over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, here is everything you need to know
OVARIAN cancer affects about 7,000 women each year - making it one of the most common types of the disease in females.
But what exactly is ovarian cancer, what are the signs to look out for and who's most at risk? We've got all the details...
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, which are a small pair of organs located in the female pelvic cavity.
They are an important part of the female reproductive system as they connect to the womb and store eggs.
If you have ovarian cancer, cells in or around your ovaries start to grow abnormally which can lead to tumours.
Ovarian cancer may affect one or both of your ovaries, and there are several types that can affect women of all ages.
These include:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer – This is the most common type and causes nine out of 10 cases. It develops in the cells that line your ovaries but can also affect cells in the fallopian tubes that connect your ovaries to the womb.
- Non-epithelial ovarian cancer – This type of ovarian cancer is much less common, and affects cells in your ovaries that produce eggs. Typically this type will affect younger women.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Many symptoms of ovarian cancer are hard to recognise as they are similar to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Others have mistakenly thought that the swelling is a result of pregnancy.
Things to look out for include:
- A swollen stomach
- Feeling bloated constantly
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
- Feeling full quickly when eating
How is ovarian cancer treated?
The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type and how far spread it is.
Common treatments are:
- Surgery – This is done to remove the cancerous cells from the body. Often this can involve removing both ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the womb.
- Chemotherapy – This is often done after surgery to kill any remaining cells, using medicine. Sometimes it can be used as a method to shrink cancer before surgery.
If the cancer has spread too far around the body, the aim of treatment will be to help reduce symptoms and to control the cancer as much as possible.
Is there a blood test for ovarian cancer?
If you have any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer you should go and see your GP.
Your doctor may then ask about your symptoms, feel your tummy for lumps, do an internal examination or enquire about any family history connected to ovarian cancer.
They may also take a sample of blood which is then sent off for tests to determine the levels of a substance called CA125 present.
A high level of this substance, which is produced by some ovarian cancer cells, can be an indicator of ovarian cancer but could also indicate less serious things such as fibroids or pregnancy.
If you have a high level you may then be asked to take a ultrasound scan to determine the cause.
Further tests may be carried out in hospital, including a CT scan, an X-ray or a needle bioposy, where cells are extracted from your ovaries.
most read about ovarian cancer
Who is most at risk from ovarian cancer?
A number of things can increase your risk from ovarian cancer, including:
- Age – Women older than 50 have a greater risk
- Family history – If ovarian or breast cancer runs in the family you could have inherited genes that make you more at risk
- Weight – If you are overweight you may be more susceptible
- Conditions – If you have endometriosis, where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb grows outside the womb area, this can increase your chance. If you have had hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is a very small chance this can increase your risk.Jeff Brazier, father of Jade Goody's children urges people to get cancer checks in new campaign