Health
10 signs of ovarian cancer (and how to spot them)
Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer, but with around 7,500 women diagnosed in the UK each year, it’s a conversation we need to keep having. This March, during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the symptoms, risk factors, and steps we can take to lower our risk.
Who is at risk?
According to Target Ovarian Cancer, anyone born with ovaries or fallopian tubes has a chance of developing ovarian cancer. If you’ve had your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, your risk drops significantly — but not entirely.
Understanding the risk factors
So, what raises the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer? Consultant gynaecological oncologist at The London Clinic, Desiree Kolomainen, says age is the biggest risk factor.
“Ovarian cancer risk is linked to the number of ovulatory cycles a person has. Having children later in life — or never having a full-term pregnancy — may increase this risk,” she explains.
There has also been some discussion about IVF and its impact, but Desiree notes that evidence linking it to ovarian cancer remains weak.
As with breast cancer, a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene significantly raises the risk. “For these patients, we recommend preventive surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy),” says Desiree.
Meanwhile, endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, has also been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, when it comes to HRT, she reassures that there is no strong evidence that it significantly raises the risk.
Can we lower our risk?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, lifestyle choices do play a role. Desiree advises that not smoking, eating well, and staying active may help to reduce our risk.
“There is also evidence that having children, breastfeeding, and using the contraceptive pill offer some protective benefits,” she adds.
The key takeaway? Knowledge is power. Understanding the risk factors and staying vigilant about symptoms can help with early detection — something that could make all the difference.
10 signs of ovarian cancer to look out for
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other common conditions. This is why early detection is so challenging. If any of the following signs persist for three weeks or more, it’s worth speaking to your GP.
Persistent bloating
If your tummy suddenly feels bigger or your clothes feel tighter, take note — especially if the bloating doesn’t come and go. According to Desiree, bloating from IBS tends to be triggered by food and is often accompanied by changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation. A first-time IBS diagnosis after age 50 is also unusual.
Feeling full quickly
If you struggle to finish meals or can only manage small portions, this could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Changes in urination
Needing to pee more frequently or urgently — especially if it wakes you at night — can be a symptom. According to Desiree, UTIs can cause similar issues but typically include burning pain when passing urine and clear up with antibiotics. If your symptoms persist, get checked.
Abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits
Persistent stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea can all be warning signs — especially if symptoms don’t improve with simple treatments. Desiree reminds us to pay attention to changes in stool consistency, such as passing pellet-like stools instead of well-formed ones.
Leg swelling or blood clots
It might not sound like an obvious symptom, but a swollen leg could signal a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot in the leg, which can sometimes be linked to ovarian cancer.
Shortness of breath
Fluid build-up in the lungs or a pulmonary embolism (PE) – a blood clot in the lungs – can cause sudden breathlessness. Desiree cautions to seek urgent medical attention if you experience this.
Back pain
Most of us can probably attest to suffering from some back pain in our lives, but ongoing lower back pain with no clear cause, could be worth investigating.
Indigestion
Persistent heartburn or indigestion that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments could be linked to ovarian cancer.
Unexplained weight loss
If you’re losing weight without trying, it’s important to find out why.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
According to Desiree, post-menopausal bleeding is never normal and should always be checked by a doctor.
When to seek help
If these symptoms are new, persistent, or unusual for you, don’t ignore them. Ovarian cancer is easier to treat when caught early — so trust your instincts and speak to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right.
How is it diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
Unfortunately, many women find themselves making repeated trips to the GP before getting answers. Desiree explains that symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, making early detection particularly tricky.
“Unlike cervical or breast cancer, there is no effective screening programme for ovarian cancer that has been shown to reduce mortality. Because of this, routine screening isn’t recommended for the general population,” she says.
However, if ovarian cancer is suspected, two key tests should be offered:
- A CA125 blood test – This measures levels of CA125, a protein in the blood that can be elevated in ovarian cancer. However, high levels can also be caused by other conditions, such as endometriosis or infections, so this test alone isn’t enough for diagnosis.
- An ultrasound scan – This can help detect abnormalities in the ovaries, such as cysts or growths that may require further investigation.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Most people diagnosed with ovarian cancer will receive a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The exact approach depends on the stage of the disease and whether fertility preservation is a consideration.
According to Desiree, for those diagnosed at an early stage who wish to have children, a fertility-sparing approach may be possible. “This involves removing one ovary along with other necessary biopsies while preserving the uterus and remaining ovary,” she explains.
For advanced ovarian cancer, a more radical approach is often required. “Surgery typically involves removing the uterus, both fallopian tubes and ovaries, the fatty layer (omentum), and nearby lymph glands to ensure all visible cancer is removed,” says Desiree.
Chemotherapy and advanced treatments
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of ovarian cancer treatment and often includes two key drugs:
- Platinum-based chemotherapy (such as carboplatin)
- Paclitaxel (Taxol)
For some patients, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumour and make the operation more effective.
In the UK, a treatment known as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) — a heated chemotherapy wash delivered directly into the abdomen during surgery — has become standard practice, as research suggests it can improve survival rates.
What’s next for treatment?
Ongoing clinical trials in medical oncology continue to push the boundaries of treatment. Desiree tells us that one promising development is Mirvetuximab; a new and innovative therapy that has shown improved survival rates in women with recurrent, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Looking ahead, she says that artificial intelligence (AI) could transform ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. AI-driven tools have the potential to:
- Improve early detection by identifying subtle warning signs that may be missed.
- Enhance diagnostic accuracy, reducing delays in treatment.
- Predict treatment response, helping doctors tailor therapies more effectively.
- Refine prognosis predictions, giving patients a clearer picture of their outlook.
While these advances are still in development, the future of ovarian cancer treatment looks increasingly personalised, precise, and proactive — offering hope for better outcomes.
Words: Holly Treacy-West
