Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It mainly affects women who have been through menopause but it can sometimes affect younger women.
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HAVE YOU TOLD YOURSELF THAT “ITS JUST BLOATING, IT COULD BE WORSE?”
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HOW ABOUT, “MY PERIOD IS WEIRD LATELY, NOTHING SERIOUS.”
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“IT’S JUST FOOD INTOLERANCE, I’LL DEAL WITH IT SOME OTHER TIME.”
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“I’M TOO YOUNG FOR OVARIAN CANCER….”
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. They eventually form a growth (tumour). If not caught early, cancer cells gradually grow into the surrounding tissues. And may spread to other areas of the body.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Persistent abdominal pain, bloating or swelling
- Loss of appetite, difficulty eating and feeling full more quickly
- A change in bladder habits not explained by dietary or lifestyle changes.
Often ovarian cancer symptoms are mistaken for other ailments and causes, as they can be subtle and experienced by women who do not have ovarian cancer. They can be confused with symptoms of other less severe illnesses, especially gastrointestinal complaints (ex IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome), leading to frequent misdiagnosis. Most patients are only identified in the advanced stages of the disease when it becomes more difficult to treat.
Seek medical advice if:
- You’ve been feeling bloated, especially more than 12 times a month
- You’ve experienced other symptoms persistently
- You have a family history of ovarian cancer.
Early diagnosis saves lives. If you’re worried speak to your GP.
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Anyone born with ovaries is at risk of ovarian cancer
AGE Your risk increases as you get older. Ovarian cancer is more common in those aged 50-79. However, you can develop it when you are younger.
GENES Your risk is higher is your family has a history of ovarian, breast, endometrial or colorectal cancer. Your risk is also higher if you have certain genetic mutations associated with ovarian cancer, such as BRCA gene mutations.
REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY Your risk is higher if you have not delivered children.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT Your risk may be higher if you have taken hormone replacement.
OTHER FACTORS Your risk may be higher if you have a history of a condition called endometriosis.
For more information please visit the following websites where you will find information about the signs, symptoms and fundraising opportunities related to ovarian cancer.