Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause it can be important to note “Most cases of ovarian cancer happen in those who have already gone through the menopause (when you stop having periods)”.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2024

What is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March 2024 in the United Kingdom (UK)?

In Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: What Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month? the (UK) Target Ovarian Cancer explain:

“Every March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It’s our chance to put ovarian cancer in the spotlight.

In the UK, over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Two thirds of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer too late when the cancer is harder to treat. And every day, 11 women die.”

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”.

In Ovarian Cancer: About Ovarian Cancer – Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer according to the (United States) American Cancer Society:

“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”.

Pap Test

Does the Pap test check for ovarian cancer?

No. In Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection the World 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”.

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 Awareness Month and Menopause

  • “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)”.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause

 

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Symptoms

Occasionally 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”.

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”.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and MenopauseHealth Care Provider

What if I think I am experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer?

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”.

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 related to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary Links

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Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary

Links

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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.Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2024

  1. A To Z of Ovarian Cancer
  2. About Ovarian Cancer
  3. CA125 Blood Test
  4. Five Facts of Ovarian Cancer
  5. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
  6. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
  7. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
    Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause
  8. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  9. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  10. Symptom Diary [+ Video: Recognise the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer]
  11. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  12. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
    Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  13. Top Tips for Speaking To Your GP
  14. Understanding Ovarian Cancer
  15. Video Series-2023: Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  16. Video Series-2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  17. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  18. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  19. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  20. What Is Ovarian Cancer? [Video]
  21. Worldovariancancercoalition.org [World Ovarian Cancer Coalition]
  22. You and Ovarian Cancer: An Animated Patient’s Guide To Ovarian Cancer

Last Updated: 18 July 2024 – Last Revised: 25 February 2024
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