Around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK every year, and according to research by the charity Ovarian Cancer Action, it kills more women than cervical, vulval, womb and vagina cancers combined. But the signs can be difficult to recognise, with the charity reporting that 90% of people do not know the symptoms.
Dr Rosie Godeseth, associate medical director at Vitality, tells us, “Ovarian cancer is often referred to in the media as the ‘silent killer’ as many of the symptoms are often vague and non-specific, including bloating, having a swollen tummy and feeling full when eating, which can easily be misattributed to busy lives and stresses, or be put down to other conditions or medical problems.”
This type of cancer is known to progress quickly, but the positive news is that 95% of women can survive if they are diagnosed early. Surgery to remove as much of the tumour and disease as possible is often the first course of action. If there's evidence or suspicion that the cancer has spread, additional chemotherapy may be recommended.
Mr Saurabh Phadnis, consultant gynaecologist and gynaecological oncologist at London Gynaecology, says, “A common misconception is that ovarian cancer is incurable, but any cancer detected in its early stages can be curable. Even for ovarian cancer that is detected in stage three or four, there is treatment available, with longer survival.”
But there is currently no reliable test to screen for this type of cancer - Mr Phadnis points out that smear tests are aimed at detecting cervical pre-cancerous changes and have nothing to do with ovaries – so awareness of the symptoms is crucial. Here are five signs to watch out for...
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1740460799/articles/QkTTXyL5P1740470283574/6804061166.jpg]
PERSISTENT BLOATING
Dr Mohamed Otify, consultant in gynaecological oncology at Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, says, "We all experience bloating occasionally, but if it feels constant or occurs frequently over several weeks, it's worth paying attention. A tummy that feels swollen or unusually full could be an early warning sign."
LOWER ABDOMINAL OR PELVIC PAIN
Another potential red flag is a dull ache or discomfort in your lower abdomen or...
Dr Rosie Godeseth, associate medical director at Vitality, tells us, “Ovarian cancer is often referred to in the media as the ‘silent killer’ as many of the symptoms are often vague and non-specific, including bloating, having a swollen tummy and feeling full when eating, which can easily be misattributed to busy lives and stresses, or be put down to other conditions or medical problems.”
This type of cancer is known to progress quickly, but the positive news is that 95% of women can survive if they are diagnosed early. Surgery to remove as much of the tumour and disease as possible is often the first course of action. If there's evidence or suspicion that the cancer has spread, additional chemotherapy may be recommended.
Mr Saurabh Phadnis, consultant gynaecologist and gynaecological oncologist at London Gynaecology, says, “A common misconception is that ovarian cancer is incurable, but any cancer detected in its early stages can be curable. Even for ovarian cancer that is detected in stage three or four, there is treatment available, with longer survival.”
But there is currently no reliable test to screen for this type of cancer - Mr Phadnis points out that smear tests are aimed at detecting cervical pre-cancerous changes and have nothing to do with ovaries – so awareness of the symptoms is crucial. Here are five signs to watch out for...
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1740460799/articles/QkTTXyL5P1740470283574/6804061166.jpg]
PERSISTENT BLOATING
Dr Mohamed Otify, consultant in gynaecological oncology at Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, says, "We all experience bloating occasionally, but if it feels constant or occurs frequently over several weeks, it's worth paying attention. A tummy that feels swollen or unusually full could be an early warning sign."
LOWER ABDOMINAL OR PELVIC PAIN
Another potential red flag is a dull ache or discomfort in your lower abdomen or...
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New UK (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 03, 2025