about ovarian cancer
Cancer of the ovary affects more than 7,000 women in the UK each year. It is the fifth most common cancer among women after breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer and cancer of the uterus (womb).
Ovarian cancer is most common in women who have had the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can affect women of any age.
As the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be similar to those of other conditions, it can be difficult to recognise. However, there are early symptoms to look out for, such as persistent bloating, pain in the pelvis and lower stomach, and difficulty eating.
The sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Survival can be over 90% for women diagnosed at the earliest stage of ovarian cancer.
But for GPs to be able to spot a possible case of ovarian cancer, women need to learn to recognise the symptoms and go to see their doctor as soon as possible.
Ovarian cancer is most common in women who have had the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can affect women of any age.
As the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be similar to those of other conditions, it can be difficult to recognise. However, there are early symptoms to look out for, such as persistent bloating, pain in the pelvis and lower stomach, and difficulty eating.
The sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Survival can be over 90% for women diagnosed at the earliest stage of ovarian cancer.
But for GPs to be able to spot a possible case of ovarian cancer, women need to learn to recognise the symptoms and go to see their doctor as soon as possible.
ovarian cancer in wales
On average there are around 400 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Wales and there are approximately 230 deaths. At any one time there are thought to be around 730 women living within five years of a diagnosis in Wales.
One year survival in Wales (a sign of late diagnosis) is significantly lower in Wales than the UK average - 66.3% vs 69.9%
Five year survival is 40.5% versus the UK average of 43.1%.
This means that it is especially important that women in Wales inform themselves about the symptoms of ovarian cancer as this could led to earlier diagnoses and more successful treatment outcomes.
These figures are taken from the National Cancer Intelligence Network E Atlas http://www.ncin.org.uk/cancer_information_tools/eatlas/network/atlas.html?select=Eav&indicator=i0 and were provided to me by staff at Target Ovarian Cancer
One year survival in Wales (a sign of late diagnosis) is significantly lower in Wales than the UK average - 66.3% vs 69.9%
Five year survival is 40.5% versus the UK average of 43.1%.
This means that it is especially important that women in Wales inform themselves about the symptoms of ovarian cancer as this could led to earlier diagnoses and more successful treatment outcomes.
These figures are taken from the National Cancer Intelligence Network E Atlas http://www.ncin.org.uk/cancer_information_tools/eatlas/network/atlas.html?select=Eav&indicator=i0 and were provided to me by staff at Target Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms
Research has shown that the key symptoms to be aware of are:
- Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain (that's your tummy and below)
- Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (needing to wee urgently or more often than usual)
Occasionally there can be other symptoms such as changes in bowel habit, extreme fatigue (feeling very tired) or unexplained weight loss.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP. It is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem, but it is important to be checked out.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP. It is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem, but it is important to be checked out.
what to do if you are worried about your symptoms
Be aware Make a note in your diary of when you get a symptom so you can give your doctor detailed information. You could even use an online symptom tracker to help record your symptoms.
Talk Talk to your GP about frequent symptoms that are new for you and seem to come out of the blue. Tell your GP if two or more relatives in your close family have had ovarian or breast cancer.
Return If your symptoms don’t clear up go back to your doctor or seek a second opinion.
Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have symptoms similar to ovarian cancer so take this information with you to help you explain.
Target Ovarian Cancer wants to help women across the UK learn about ovarian cancer and raise awareness of the symptoms.
This page was written December 2013.
For the most up to date information on symptoms and statistics, go to www.targetovariancancer.org.uk
Talk Talk to your GP about frequent symptoms that are new for you and seem to come out of the blue. Tell your GP if two or more relatives in your close family have had ovarian or breast cancer.
Return If your symptoms don’t clear up go back to your doctor or seek a second opinion.
Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have symptoms similar to ovarian cancer so take this information with you to help you explain.
Target Ovarian Cancer wants to help women across the UK learn about ovarian cancer and raise awareness of the symptoms.
This page was written December 2013.
For the most up to date information on symptoms and statistics, go to www.targetovariancancer.org.uk
