LIVING WITH CANCER

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries store eggs and produce hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.

Several different types of ovarian cancer exist, depending on the type of cells where the cancer begins. The most common form develops from the surface layer of the ovary.

Because the ovaries sit deep within the abdomen, early ovarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. This can make the disease harder to detect in its earliest stages.

Who’s most at risk and why

Ovarian cancer can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Risk may be higher in those with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, particularly where inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 are present.

Other factors that may increase risk include never having been pregnant, starting menstruation at a younger age, or experiencing menopause later in life.

Having children, breastfeeding, and the use of certain contraceptive pills may slightly reduce risk.

Knowing the signs

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and may develop gradually. Common symptoms include persistent bloating, a swollen abdomen, feeling full quickly when eating, or ongoing pelvic or abdominal discomfort.

Some people notice changes in bowel habits, a frequent need to urinate, or unexplained fatigue. Because these symptoms can also be linked to many other conditions, they are sometimes overlooked. If symptoms are new, persistent, or unusual for you, it is important to speak with a GP.

Diagnosis: Is it cancer?

There is currently no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK.

If symptoms raise concern, a GP may arrange blood tests such as the CA-125 test and imaging scans such as an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis.

If further investigation is needed, additional scans may be performed and tissue samples may be taken to confirm a diagnosis.

These tests also help determine whether the cancer has spread and guide treatment decisions.

What’s going to happen

If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, your case will usually be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team that may include gynaecological oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and specialist nurses.

They will assess the stage of the cancer, your general health, and other relevant factors before recommending a treatment plan.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgery aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible and may involve removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby tissue.

Chemotherapy is commonly used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. In some cases it may be given before surgery to shrink the cancer and make the operation more effective.

Targeted therapies may also be offered for certain types of ovarian cancer, particularly where specific genetic changes are identified.

When the disease is more advanced, treatment may focus on slowing progression, managing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.

Prognosis

Outcomes for ovarian cancer vary depending on how early the disease is diagnosed and how well it responds to treatment.

Because symptoms can be difficult to recognise early, ovarian cancer is sometimes diagnosed at a later stage. Even so, treatment options continue to improve and many people live well for years with the right care and support.