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…”.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) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“Cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems”.2

Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

DotS the definition of ovarian cancer may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’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 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 Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition explain:

“Age –
Your risk increase as you get older. Ovarian Cancer is more common in those aged 50-79. However, you can develop it when you are younger”.8

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”.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 Ovarian Cancer Coalition note:

“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

Ovarian Cancer

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”.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. A To Z of Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian Cancer
  3. About Ovarian Cancer
  4. About Ovarian Cancer
  5. About Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian Cancer
  6. BRCA & Lynch Syndrome FAQs
  7. BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
  8. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  9. BRCA Genetic Test
  10. British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) Ovarian, Tubal and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Guidelines: Recommendations for Practice Update 2024 [September 2024]
  11. British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society Guidelines Management of Menopausal Symptoms Following Treatment of Gynaecological Cancer [August 2024]
  12. CA125 Blood Test
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Changes in Sexual Health After Cancer
  14. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer?
  15. Eve Appeal [United Kingdom]
  16. Experiencing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  17. Family Health History
  18. February Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [Australia]
    Ovarian Cancer
  19. Five Facts of Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian Cancer
  20. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  21. Genetics: What Does This Mean for Me and My Family?
  22. Gynecologic Cancers
  23. Gynecologic Cancers
  24. Heredity Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Family Health History and Breast and Ovarian Cancers
  25. Heredity Cancer and Risk
  26. Hereditary Ovarian Cancer
  27. How To Talk To Your GP About Your Concerns: Keep Track of Your Symptoms – Paper Symptoms Diary
  28. If You Have Ovarian Cancer
  29. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome]
  30. Lynch Syndrome: Everything You Need To Know
  31. Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips From A Gynecological Surgeon on Recovery From Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  32. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition [United States]
  33. Ovacome.. Ovarian Cancer [United Kingdom]
  34. Ovarian Cancer
  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
  51. Ovarian Cancer Action [United Kingdom]
  52. Ovarian Cancer Australia
  53. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March, United Kingdom]Ovarian CancerOvarian Cancer
  54. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  55. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance [United States]
  56. Ovarian Cancer Screening: More Than A Pelvic Exam
  57. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March, United Kingdom]
  58. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  59. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  60. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  61. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Additional Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer – Symptom Diary
  62. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection
  63. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  64. Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Tests for Ovarian Cancer
  65. Ovarian Cancer: Essential Facts You Need To Know – Mayo Clinic Health System [Video]
  66. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Basics
  67. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
  68. Ovarian Cancer: Reducing Risk for Ovarian Cancer
  69. Ovarian Cancer: Screening for Ovarian Cancer
  70. Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?
  71. Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  72. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer? The Ovaries and Reproductive System: Cancers of the Female Reproductive System [+ Video]
  73. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  74. Pap Test: Can It Detect Ovarian Cancer?
  75. Persistent Bloating
  76. Risks and Causes
  77. Stages and Grades
  78. Symptom Diary
  79. Symptom Diary [+ Video: Recognise the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer]
  80. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  81. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: More Support – Symptom Diary
  82. Talk With A Doctor If Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs In Your Family
  83. Targetovariancancer.org.uk [Target Ovarian Cancer, United Kingdom]
  84. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  85. Understanding Gyn Cancers
  86. Understanding Ovarian Cancer
  87. Understanding Ovarian Cancer
  88. Value of Diagnostics Within Women’s Health: Ovarian Cancer
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  90. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  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 Ovarian Cancer?
  94. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  95. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  96. What Is Ovarian Cancer? [Video]
  97. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2024]
    Ovarian Cancer
  98. World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8, 2025
    Ovarian Cancer
  99. Worldovariancancercoalition.org [World Ovarian Cancer Coalition]
  100. You and Ovarian Cancer: An Animated Patient’s Guide To Ovarian Cancer [+ Animation: Understanding Ovarian Cancer]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection. World Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/about-ovarian-cancer/detection-testing/ Accessed: 10 February 2025
  2. Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cancer Accessed: 10 February 2025
  3. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Basics – What It Is. 12 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ovarian-cancer/about/ Accessed: 10 February 2025
  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: 10 February 2025
  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: 10 February 2025
  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: 10 February 2025
  7. Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 24 January 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/causes/ Accessed: 10 February 2025
  8. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? World Ovarian Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms-risk-factors/ovarian-cancer-symptoms/ Accessed: 10 February 2025
  9. Ovarian Cancer Risk: Age. Last Reviewed: April 2023. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/risk Accessed: 10 February 2025
  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: 10 February 2025
  11. Ovarian Cancer: How Common It Is. Last Reviewed: 25 November 2024. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer Accessed: 10 February 2025
  12. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection. World Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/about-ovarian-cancer/detection-testing/ Accessed: 10 February 2025
  13. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: November 2022. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 10 February 2025
Topic Last Updated: 12 April 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 10 February 2025

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