Ovarian Cancer

“There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, so all women need to be aware of the symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms for ovarian cancer…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Ovarian Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer of the Ovary
  • Ovarian Cancer

Cancer

What is cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is usually named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later”.2

Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

DotS the definition of ovarian cancer may vary. The CDC’s definition is:

“Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that originates in the ovaries, or in the related areas of the fallopian tubes and the peritoneum”.3

Types

What are the different types of ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version the (United States) National Cancer Institute (NCI) elaborate the different types of ovarian cancer and include a diagram of the ovaries.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? the [United Kingdom] Target Ovarian Cancer elaborate on:

Ovarian Cancer

  • “Persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
  • Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain (that’s from your tummy to the top of your thighs)
  • Urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual)”.4

Ovarian Cancer

 

Ovarian Cancer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Symptoms

What can be other symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Target Ovarian Cancer also explain:

“Occasionally there can be other symptoms:

  • Changes in bowel habit (e.g. diarrhoea or constipation)
  • Extreme fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • Unplanned weight loss
  • Any unusual bleeding from the vagina before or after the menopause should always be investigated by a GP”.5

In Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Target Ovarian Cancer note:

“Symptoms will be:

  • New – they’re not normal for you
  • Frequent – they usually happen more than 12 times a month
  • Persistent – they don’t go away”.6

Cause

What causes ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer the (United Kingdom) NHS explain:

“You may have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer if you:

  • Inherited a faulty gene, such as the BRCA genes or those linked to Lynch syndrome
  • Had breast cancer or bowel cancer
  • Had radiotherapy treatment for a previous cancer
  • Have endometriosis or diabetes
  • Started your periods at a young age or went through the menopause late (over 55), or have not had a baby – because these things may mean you’ve released more eggs (ovulated more)
  • Have never used any hormonal contraception, such as the pill or an implant
  • Are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Are overweight
  • Smoke”.7

Age

Is there an association between the risk of developing ovarian cancer and getting older?

In Ovarian Cancer Risk: Age the Target Ovarian Cancer note:

“As with most cancers the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older. Those over the age of 50 have a higher risk. Most cases of ovarian cancer happen in those who have already gone through the menopause (when you stop having periods). More than 50 in 100 cases of ovarian cancer are in those over 65 years.

Although it’s not common, if you’re younger and haven’t been through the menopause you can get ovarian cancer. Over 1,000 women under the age of 50 develop ovarian cancer every year. That’s why it’s important that everyone is aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. This is especially important if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer”.8

The (United States) ACS note:

“This cancer mainly develops in older women. About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older. It is more common in White women than Black women”.9

Common or Not

How common is ovarian cancer?

In the United States, the NCI in Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer elaborate on:

“In the United States, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women.

While ovarian cancer is rare, it is the leading cause of death from cancer of the female reproductive system”.10

In the United Kingdom (UK) Cancer Research UK note:

“Around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year. This makes ovarian cancer the 6th most common cancer in women”.11

Pap Test

Does the Pap test check for ovarian cancer?

No. In Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection the World Cancer Coalition note:

Ovarian Cancer

“Currently, there is no routine, simple screening test to accurately detect ovarian cancer. Contrary to popular belief, cervical screening (i.e.: Pap smear) will not detect ovarian cancer. While cervical screening is effective in early detection of cervical cancer, it is not a test for ovarian cancer”.12

Symptom Diary

Where may I find an ovarian cancer symptom diary?

Your Country may have Links similar to:


Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary

Health Care Provider

What if I am worried about some symptoms I am experiencing?

In Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: Worried About Your Symptom? Target Ovarian Cancer elaborate on:

“If you regularly experience any one or more of these symptoms, which aren’t normal for you, it’s important that you contact your GP. It’s unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem but it’s important to get checked out, even if they’re mild. Your GP should order a CA125 blood test. They may also order ultrasound scans of your ovaries and tummy.

If two or more of your close relatives have had cancer you should tell your GP as ovarian cancer can run in families”.“If you experience some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor”.13

Who is a GP?

DotS and DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Ovarian Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Ovarian Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 5 Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
  2. About Ovarian Cancer
  3. About Ovarian Cancer
  4. BRCA & Lynch Syndrome FAQs
  5. BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
  6. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  7. BRCA Genetic Test
  8. CA125 Blood Test
  9. CA 125 Test: A Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer?
  10. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer?
  11. E13: Ovarian Cancer: The Facts!
  12. Eve Appeal [United Kingdom]
  13. Experiencing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  14. Experiencing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms? How To Talk To Your GP About Your Concerns: Keep Track of Your Symptoms – Paper Symptoms Diary
  15. Family Health History
  16. Five Facts of Ovarian Cancer
  17. Get the Facts
  18. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  19. Genetics: What Does This Mean for Me and My Family?
  20. Glossary of Terms
  21. Gynecologic Cancers
  22. Gynecologic Cancers
  23. Heredity Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Breast and Ovarian Cancers and Family Health History
  24. Heredity Cancer Risk Tool
  25. Heredity Hub
  26. If You Have Ovarian Cancer
  27. I’m Experiencing Bloating – What Should I Do?
  28. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome]
  29. Lynch Syndrome: Everything You Need To Know
  30. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Consider All Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer, Including Clinical Trials [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  31. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  32. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  33. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition [United States]
  34. Ovacome.. Ovarian Cancer [United Kingdom]
  35. Ovarian Cancer
  36. Ovarian Cancer
  37. Ovarian Cancer
  38. Ovarian Cancer
  39. Ovarian Cancer
  40. Ovarian Cancer
  41. Ovarian Cancer
  42. Ovarian Cancer
  43. Ovarian Cancer
  44. Ovarian Cancer
  45. Ovarian Cancer
  46. Ovarian Cancer
  47. Ovarian Cancer
  48. Ovarian Cancer
  49. Ovarian Cancer
  50. Ovarian Cancer Action [United Kingdom]
  51. Ovarian Cancer Australia
  52. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March, United Kingdom]
    Ovarian Cancer
  53. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  54. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance [United States]
  55. Ovarian Cancer Screening: More Than A Pelvic Exam
  56. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  57. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  58. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection
  59. Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer
  60. Ovarian Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  61. Ovarian Cancer – What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  62. Ovarian Cancer – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  63. Ovarian Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening?
  64. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  65. Ovarian Cancer: Causes
  66. Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Tests for Ovarian Cancer
  67. Ovarian Cancer: Family History
  68. Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?
  69. Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  70. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  71. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer? The Ovaries and Reproductive System: Cancers of the Female Reproductive System [Video]
  72. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  73. Pap Test: Can It Detect Ovarian Cancer?
  74. Persistent Bloating
  75. Stages and Grades
  76. Symptom Diary [+ Video: Recognise the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer]
  77. Symptom Diary: B.E.A.T. Symptom Diary
  78. Symptoms
  79. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  80. Symptoms: Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer – Symptom Diary
  81. Symptoms: More Support – Symptom Diary
  82. Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
  83. Talk With A Doctor If Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs In Your Family
  84. Targetovariancancer.org.uk [Target Ovarian Cancer, United Kingdom]
  85. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
    Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  86. Understanding Ovarian Cancer
  87. Value of Diagnostics Within Women’s Health: Ovarian Cancer
  88. Video Series-2023: Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  89. Video Series-2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  91. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary
  92. What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  93. What Is My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  94. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  95. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  96. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  97. What Is Ovarian Cancer? [Video]
  98. World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8, 2023
    Ovarian Cancer
  99. Worldovariancancercoalition.org [World Ovarian Cancer Coalition]
  100. You and Ovarian Cancer: An Animated Patient’s Guide To Ovarian Cancer

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Australia https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 22 February 2024
  2. Ovarian Cancer: Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer. Last Reviewed: 14 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/index.htm Accessed: 22 February 2024
  3. Ovarian Cancer: Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer. Last Reviewed: 14 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 22 February 2024
  4. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: November 2022. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 22 February 2024
  5. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: November 2022. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 22 February 2024
  6. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: November 2022. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 22 February 2024
  7. Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 24 January 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/causes/ Accessed: 22 February 2024
  8. Ovarian Cancer Risk: Age. Last Reviewed: April 2023. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/risk Accessed: 22 February 2024
  9. Ovarian Cancer: About Ovarian Cancer – Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer. Last Revised: 19 January 2024. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 22 February 2024
  10. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer. Updated: 31 March 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-screening-pdq#section/_5 Accessed: 22 February 2024
  11. Ovarian Cancer: How Common It Is. Last Reviewed: 30 November 2021. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer Accessed: 22 February 2024
  12. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection. World Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/about-ovarian-cancer/detection-testing/ Accessed: 22 February 2024
  13. Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosis. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 14 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/ovarian-cancer#diagnosis Accessed: 22 February 2024
Topic Last Updated: 01 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 February 2024

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