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 are…”.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 always 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 American Cancer Society’s (ACS) definition is:

“Ovarian cancers were previously believed to begin only in the ovaries, but recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells in the far (distal) end of the fallopian tubes”.3

Types

What are different types of ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer: About Ovarian Cancer – What Is Ovarian Cancer? the ACS elaborate on different types of ovarian cancer and include a diagram of the ovaries.

Symptoms

What can be symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK elaborate on:

“The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be very vague, particularly when the disease is in its early stages.

See your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms:

  • Feeling full quickly
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in your tummy (abdomen) or lower part of your abdomen that doesn’t go away
  • Bloating or and increase in the size of your abdomen
  • Needing to wee more often…”.4

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”.5

Signs and Symptoms of 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”.6

Cause

What causes ovarian cancer?

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

“The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown.

But some things may increase a woman’s risk of getting it, such as:

  • Being over the age of 50
  • A family history of ovarian or breast cancer – this could mean you have inherited genes that increase your cancer risk
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – although any increase in cancer risk is likely to be very small
  • Endometriosis – a condition where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found outside the womb
  • Being overweight
  • Smoking
  • Lack of exercise
  • Exposure to asbestos”.7

Age

Is there an association between age and ovarian cancer?

The 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 African-American women”.8

Common or Not

How common is ovarian cancer?

In the United States the (United States) National Cancer Institute 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. From the mid-1980s to 2017, the number of new cases of ovarian cancer decreased slightly each year. There was also a slight decrease in the number of deaths from ovarian cancer each year from 2009 to 2018”.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 Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information: What Should I Know About Screening? the CDC note:

“The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancer except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk”.11

Symptom Diary

Where may I find an ovarian cancer symptom diary?

You may find an ovarian cancer symptom diary in:


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: How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

“If you experience some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer for more than two weeks, and they are a change from the normal for you, ask your doctor about the possibility of ovarian cancer.12

In I Have Ovarian Cancer Symptoms – What Next? Going To the GP With Symptoms During the COVID-19 Period Ovarian Cancer Action explain:

“If you are experiencing any of the four possible symptoms of ovarian cancer – persistent bloating, persistent stomach pain, difficulty eating or feeling full more quickly, and needing to wee more urgently or frequently – then you should make an appointment with your GP.”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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.

  1. About Ovarian Cancer
  2. About Ovarian Cancer
  3. About Ovarian Cancer
  4. About Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  5. Am I At Risk?
  6. A–Z of Ovarian Cancer
  7. BRCA & Lynch syndrome FAQs
  8. BRCA FAQs
  9. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  10. BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
  11. BRCA Test
  12. Bloating and Ovarian Cancer
  13. Bloating: Your Questions Answered
  14. CA 125 Test: A Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer?
  15. Cancer and Hair Loss
  16. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Does HRT Increase the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  17. Endometrial Cancer
  18. Family Health History
  19. Five Facts
  20. Foundation for Women’s Cancer
  21. Genetics: What Does This Mean for Me and My Family?
  22. Glossary of Terms
  23. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States] Gynecologic Cancer Awareness MonthGynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  24. Gynecologic Cancers
  25. Gynecologic Cancers: What Are the Symptoms? Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms: Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms Diary Ovarian Cancer
  26. Heredity Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Breast and Ovarian Cancer Family Health History
  27. Heredity Cancer Risk Tool
  28. Heredity Hub
  29. I Am Concerned I Might Have Ovarian Cancer
  30. I Have Ovarian Cancer Symptoms – What Next?
  31. I Have Ovarian Cancer Symptoms – What Next? Symptoms Diary. Help Your Doctor Help You
  32. If You Have Ovarian Cancer
  33. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Options
  34. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer In Depth
  35. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  36. New Therapies Bring Hope for Ovarian Cancer
  37. Ocrahope.org [Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, United States]
  38. Ovacome.org.uk. [Ovacome.. Ovarian Cancer Charity, United Kingdom]
  39. Ovarian Cancer
  40. Ovarian Cancer
  41. Ovarian Cancer
  42. Ovarian Cancer
  43. Ovarian Cancer
  44. Ovarian Cancer Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  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 Personal Stories
  54. Ovarian Cancer Survivor Stories
  55. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  56. Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer
  57. Ovarian Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  58. Ovarian Cancer – What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  59. Ovarian Cancer – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  60. Ovarian Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening?
  61. Ovarian Cancer: Causes
  62. Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment – Coping and Support
  63. Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Tests for Ovarian Cancer
  64. Ovarian Cancer: FAQ
  65. Ovarian Cancer: Family History
  66. Ovarian Cancer: Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  67. Ovarian Cancer: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  68. Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?
  69. Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms & Causes
  70. Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer [Video Interview Stories]
  71. Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  72. Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  73. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  74. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer? The Ovaries and Reproductive System: Cancers of the Female Reproductive System [Video]
  75. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: What Is Screening?
  76. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  77. Ovarian.org [National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, United States]
  78. Ovarian.org.uk [Ovarian Cancer Action, United Kingdom]
  79. Ovariancancer.net.au [Ovarian Cancer Australia]
  80. Ovariancancerawareness.org [Ovarian Cancer Awareness Coalition, United States]
  81. Ovariancancercanada.org [Ovarian Cancer Canada]
  82. Ovariancancerday.org [World Ovarian Cancer Day]
  83. Pap Test: Can It Detect Ovarian Cancer?
  84. Signs and Symptoms
  85. Signs and Symptoms: Symptom Diary
  86. Symptoms & Risks World Ovarian Cancer Day 2021
  87. Symptoms & Risks
  88. Talk With A Doctor If Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs In Your Family
  89. Targetovariancancer.org.uk [Target Ovarian Cancer, United Kingdom]
  90. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  91. What Is My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  92. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  93. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  94. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  95. What Is Ovarian Cancer? [+ Image]
  96. Women’s Wellness: Is Endometriosis A Risk Factor for Ovarian Cancer?
  97. Women’s Wellness: Some Answers About Ovarian Cancer
  98. World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research: Ovarian Cancer – How Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity Affect Ovarian Cancer Risk
  99. World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8, 2021 World Ovarian Cancer Day 2021
  100. Worldovariancancercoalition.org [World Ovarian Cancer Coalition]

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: 01 May 2021
  2. Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 08 March  2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/index.htm Accessed: 01 May 2021
  3. Ovarian Cancer: About Ovarian Cancer – What Is Ovarian Cancer? Last Revised: 11 April 2018. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-what-is-ovarian-cancer Accessed: 01 May 2021
  4. Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. Last Reviewed: 13 December 2018. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/ovarian-cancer/about/ovarian-cancer-symptoms Accessed: 01 May 2021
  5. Signs and Symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Australia https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/page/134/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 01 May 2021
  6. Signs and Symptoms: Additional Symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Australia https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/page/134/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 01 May 2021
  7. Ovarian Cancer: Causes of Ovarian Cancer? Page Last Reviewed: 10 February 2020. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/#causes-of-ovarian-cancer Accessed: 01 May 2021
  8. Ovarian Cancer: About Ovarian Cancer – Key Statistics About Ovarian Cancer? Last Revised: 12 January 2021. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/ovarian-cancer-key-statistics Accessed: 01 May 2021
  9. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer. Updated: 09 April 2021. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-screening-pdq#section/_5 Accessed: 01 May 2021
  10. Ovarian Cancer: How Common It Is. Last Reviewed: 13 December 2018. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer Accessed: 01 May 2021
  11. Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information: What Should I Know About Screening? Page Last Reviewed: 08 March 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 01 May 2021
  12. Ovarian Cancer: How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed? Last Updated: 11 February 2021 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2019. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/ovarian-cancer#diagnosis Accessed: 01 May 2021
  13. I Have Ovarian Cancer Symptoms – What Next? Going To the GP With Symptoms During the COVID-19 Period. Ovarian Cancer Action https://ovarian.org.uk/ovarian-cancer/i-have-symptoms-what-next/ Accessed: 01 May 2021

Topic Last Updated: 01 May 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 May 2021
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