It’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the UK every March, which aims to raise awareness of the symptoms and risks of the disease. There are around 7,600 new cases of ovarian cancer each year in the UK, a figure predicted to increase to almost 10,000 a year by 2040.
In light of this Month, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is revealing everything to know about ovarian cancer, including the little-known and unusual signs to look out for.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “Ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries, this means cis women, trans men, and non-binary people assigned female at birth. The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer mimic those of other issues, like a urinary tract infection, irritable bowel syndrome, or an abnormal menstrual cycle. Because of this, it’s so crucial to know what’s normal for your body, so you can better identify when something feels wrong.
“If you experience any symptoms for more than two weeks, I recommend seeing your GP as soon as you can to rule out anything sinister. After all, if it is cancer, the sooner it is detected, the sooner treatment can start. When treated at stage 1, 95 of 100 people with ovarian cancer survive 5 years past diagnosis, highlighting the importance of early detection.”
Vaginal bleeding
Irregular vaginal bleeding, such as between periods, a heavier flow, or postmenopausal bleeding, can be a symptom of ovarian cancer resulting from hormonal changes or tumour growth. In general, it’s a good idea to see a GP if you experience any abnormal bleeding after the menopause.
Bloating & urination
Persistent bloating can be caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which is caused by the tumour irritating the peritoneal lining and causing it to be unable to drain properly. The physical pressure of a tumour can also reduce the bladder’s capacity, causing the need to constantly urinate.
Pelvic pain
Tumours can cause pelvic pain as they grow and press against the bladder, bowels, uterus, and pelvic area. Tumours can also cause fluid buildup, inflammation, and irritation in the pelvic region, leading to pain and discomfort.
Lack of appetite
The physical pressure of a tumour can also press against the stomach and intestines, causing someone to feel full much earlier. Hormonal changes due to ovarian cancer can also suppress a person’s hunger.
Other symptoms
As well as these symptoms, other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include indigestion, back pain, gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and reflux symptoms like heartburn.
Know the risks
There aren’t currently any reliable routine screening tests for ovarian cancer, but there are some risk factors to be aware of that can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease:
Getting older – A person’s chances of developing ovarian cancer increase after the age of 45 years old, with the greatest risk in those aged between 75 and 79.
Asbestos – A routine exposure to asbestos is classified as a cause of ovarian cancer. The fibres can reach ovarian tissues through inhalation or ingestion, which leads to a long-term cancer risk.
HRT – Perhaps a lesser-known risk factor, using HRT during the menopause increases the risk of ovarian cancer. However, the risk is small, and HRT can be overwhelmingly helpful for many people going through the menopause, so it’s a good idea to weigh up the risks and benefits with your GP.
Genes and medical conditions – Having endometriosis, diabetes, or certain inherited gene variants, which can be discussed with a genetics service, can increase a person’s risk.
Lifestyle factors – Obesity increases the risk; similarly, the longer a person has smoked, the greater their risk is of developing ovarian cancer. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as stopping smoking, can be lifesaving.
