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 can be symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Signs and Symptoms Ovarian Cancer Australia elaborate on:

“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 are:

  • Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain
  • Feeling full after eating a small amount
  • Needing to urinate often or urgently”.4

Ovarian Cancer

Additional Symptoms

What can be additional symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Signs and Symptoms: Additional Symptoms Ovarian Cancer Australia elaborate on:

  • “Changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Lower back pain
  • Indigestion or nausea
  • Bleeding after menopause or in-between periods
  • Pain during sex or bleeding after”.5

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”.6

Age

Is there an association between age and ovarian cancer?

According to the NHS:

“The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, with more than half of all cases in the UK in those aged 65 and over”.7

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”.8

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”.9

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”.10

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”.11

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 have funny tummy symptoms?

If you have funny tummy symptoms, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosis the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

“If you experience some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor”.12

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. 3 Types of Ovarian Cancer Explained
  2. 5 Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
  3. About Ovarian Cancer
  4. About Ovarian Cancer
  5. About Ovarian Cancer
  6. About Ovarian Cancer
  7. Am I At Risk?
  8. BRCA & Lynch Syndrome FAQs
  9. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  10. BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
  11. BRCA Test
  12. CA 125 Test: A Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer?
  13. Consumer Health: Endometriosis, Ovarian Cancer and Infertility — What Are the Connections?
  14. Consumer Health: What Is Your Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  15. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase the Risk of Cancer?
  16. E13: Ovarian Cancer: The Facts!
  17. Eve Appeal [United Kingdom]
  18. Experiencing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  19. Experiencing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms? How To Talk To Your GP About Your Concerns: Keep Track of Your Symptoms – Paper Symptoms Diary
  20. Family Health History
  21. Five Facts of Ovarian Cancer
  22. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  23. Genetics: What Does This Mean for Me and My Family?
  24. Glossary of Terms
  25. Gynecologic Cancers
  26. Gynecologic Cancers
  27. Heredity Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Breast and Ovarian Cancer Family Health History
  28. Heredity Cancer Risk Tool
  29. Heredity Hub
  30. If You Have Ovarian Cancer
  31. I’m Experiencing Bloating – What Should I Do?
  32. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome]
  33. Lynch Syndrome: Everything You Need To Know
  34. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Consider All Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer, Including Clinical Trials [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  35. Mayo Clinic Researchers Link Ovarian Cancer To Bacteria Colonization In Microbiome
  36. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  37. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  38. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition [United States]
  39. Ovacome.. Ovarian Cancer [United Kingdom]
  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
  52. Ovarian Cancer
  53. Ovarian Cancer
  54. Ovarian Cancer
  55. Ovarian Cancer Action [United Kingdom]
  56. Ovarian Cancer Australia
  57. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Coalition [United States]
  58. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March, United Kingdom]
  59. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  60. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance [United States]
    Ovarian Cancer
  61. Ovarian Cancer Screening: More Than A Pelvic Exam
  62. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  63. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  64. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection
  65. Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer
  66. Ovarian Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  67. Ovarian Cancer – What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  68. Ovarian Cancer – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  69. Ovarian Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening?
  70. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  71. Ovarian Cancer: Causes
  72. Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Tests for Ovarian Cancer
  73. Ovarian Cancer: Family History
  74. Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?
  75. Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  76. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  77. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer? The Ovaries and Reproductive System: Cancers of the Female Reproductive System [Video]
  78. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  79. Pap Test: Can It Detect Ovarian Cancer?
  80. Persistent Bloating
  81. Signs and Symptoms
  82. Signs and Symptoms: Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary
  83. Signs and Symptoms: Symptom Diary
  84. Stages and Grades
  85. Symptom Diary [+ Video: Recognise the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer]
  86. Symptoms
  87. Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
  88. Talk With A Doctor If Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs In Your Family
  89. Targetovariancancer.org.uk [Target Ovarian Cancer, United Kingdom]
  90. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
    Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  91. Value of Diagnostics Within Women’s Health: Ovarian Cancer
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological 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. Signs and Symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Australia https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/page/134/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 05 September 2023
  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: 05 September 2023
  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: 05 September 2023
  4. Signs and Symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Australia https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/page/134/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 05 September 2023
  5. Signs and Symptoms: Additional Symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Australia https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/page/134/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 05 September 2023
  6. Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 24 January 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/causes/ Accessed: 05 September 2023
  7. Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 24 January 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/causes/ Accessed: 05 September 2023
  8. Ovarian Cancer: About Ovarian Cancer – Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer. Last Revised: 12 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 05 September 2023
  9. 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: 05 September 2023
  10. 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: 05 September 2023
  11. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection. World Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/about-ovarian-cancer/detection-testing/ Accessed: 05 September 2023
  12. Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosis Last Updated: 26 August 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: 05 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 09 September 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 September 2023

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