What are the symptoms?In the early stages, ovarian cancer does not usually cause symptoms until the growing cancer begins to cause pressure or pain. Symptoms may include prolonged abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, poor appetite, weight loss, a need to pass water often, digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation, and unusual bleeding from the vagina. Who's at risk?Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK. There are about 6,900 new cases here each year, most of them women who have gone through the menopause. More than 50 per cent occur in women over the age of 65. Ovarian cancer can run in families. Women who have never been pregnant, or who take fertility drugs for a prolonged period without success, and those who have had breast cancer are at increased risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding and taking the oral contraceptive pill lowers the risk. What's the treatment?A screening test may become available to detect ovarian cancer. Currently, treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Emotional support for both the patient and their relatives is very important. Advice and supportOvacome
Tel: 020 7380 9589
Email: ovacome@ovacome.org.uk
Website: www.ovacome.org.uk
Ovarian Cancer Action
Tel: 020 8238 7605
Email: info@ovarian.org.uk
Website: www.ovarian.org.uk
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in December 2006.
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