Thousands of people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK.
Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at a later stage when survival rates are at their lowest. Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumour.
If left untreated, the tumour can spread to other parts of the body. This is known as metastatic ovarian cancer.
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As Sunday (May 8) marks World Ovarian Cancer Day, we've taken a look at some "red flag" symptoms to look out for. Eliza Esiategiwa, medical negligence solicitor at Patient Claim Line, has addressed the most important questions to help Brits spot signs of ovarian cancer.
What are the 'red flag' symptoms?
Eliza Esiategiwa said there are five main warning signs. People with ovaries, especially those aged 50 and over, should look out for bloating, feeling full, loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain or an increased urinary urgency or frequency.
If any of these are experienced frequently, and particularly if more than 12 times in a month, you should contact your GP. Additional red flag symptoms include malaise or fatigue, a change in bowel habits, abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as dyspepsia, nausea, bowel obstruction or shortness of breath.
Symptoms suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) within the last 12 months should also be flagged for people over the age of 50.
What will your GP do about your symptoms?
“Your GP should arrange a CA125 blood test and possibly an ultrasound scan if you display any persistent symptoms. They should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to ovarian cancer.
"Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent referral.” GPs should especially refer a person if they are aged 50 or over and have been experiencing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome as IBS rarely develops for the first time in people of this age.
"IBS can cause a broad range of similar symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and the swelling of the tummy.”
What are the main treatments for ovarian cancer?
“Treatment options for ovarian cancer will depend on the size and type of ovarian cancer you have, where the cancer is, if it has spread as well as your general health. The main treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments include targeted medicines and hormone treatments.
“The specialist care team looking after you will work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you. They will explain the treatment options alongside their benefits and any side effects. You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments and may also be required to have tests and scans.”
“If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.”
What happens if ovarian cancer isn’t treated quickly?
“If left untreated, the tumour can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer often has warning signs, but the earliest symptoms are vague and easy to dismiss; 20% of ovarian cancers are detected at an early stage.
“Research has shown that ovarian tumours that begin in the fallopian tubes- as is thought to be the case in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, which is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer- take an average of 6.5 years to spread to the ovaries. Because ovarian cancer often does not produce noticeable symptoms in early stages, and any signs or symptoms often mimic common problems that are not typically cause for concern, it is possible to have ovarian cancer without knowing it for several years.”
What increases the risk of getting ovarian cancer?
“There are a range of factors which can increase your chances of getting ovarian cancer such as being overweight, a smoker or post-menopausal.
“Unfortunately, those who have inherited a faulty gene such as the BRCA genes, or those linked to Lynch syndrome, have an increased chance of getting ovarian cancer as well as those who have previously been diagnosed with breast or bowel cancer, or who have had radiotherapy for a previous cancer. Also at higher risk are those with health conditions such as endometriosis or diabetes.”
“If you have never used any hormonal contraception, such as the pill or an implant or are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) this will also increase the likelihood of getting ovarian cancer.”
“If you’ve ovulated more during your lifetime due to starting your periods at a young age, not having a baby or due to going through the menopause late, over the age of 55, this can increase your risk.
“It is possible to have ovarian cancer without having any of these risk factors. Likewise, having any of these risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop ovarian cancer.”
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