Ovarian Cancer Awareness month looks at raising awareness of this disease, as cancer of the ovaries often causes symptoms that are similar to other more common and less serious conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose early, before the cancer has spread. Early diagnosis is really important for a positive cure rate.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian Cancer is cancer of the ovaries; two small oval-shaped organs in the pelvis. We don’t know what causes ovarian cancer but there are around 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK every year.
Common symptoms of Ovarian Cancer include:
Persistent stomach pain
Persistent bloating
Difficulty eating
Feeling more full quickly
Weeing more frequently
Irregular bleeding
If you have any of these symptoms for no reason, or you get these symptoms regularly, especially more than 12 times a month, you should contact your GP and they can offer you cancer tests.
Who is at most risk of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer can often be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. IBS diagnosis is most prevalent in people who are in their 20s and 30s. So if you are a woman in your 50s, it may be a more serious disease and ovarian cancer should be considered. In fact, 24% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over 70 (Ovarian Cancer Action).
How can we help you?
There is no national screening programme for ovarian cancer but here at The London House of Wellbeing we are here to help you discuss next steps if you have had a cancer diagnosis. Our mission is preventative healthcare, and the earlier you are seen the better the outcome for you. Ovarian cancer is 90% curable if detected early- meaning women surviving 5 years or more (The Robin Cancer Trust; Germ Cell Cancer Charity).
If you would like to find out more about ovarian cancer, or have questions, we recommend these resources:
Alternatively, if you would like a private/confidential chat please get in touch: