What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, with on average 7,300 women in the United Kingdom being diagnosed every year.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer disrupts the function of the ovaries. The ovaries are two small almond sized glands that make up part of your female reproductive system which are located entirely in your pelvis which consists of your vagina, cervix, uterus (womb) endometrium (womb lining), fallopian tubes and ovaries.
You have two ovaries which sit at either side of your body, they have two main functions: to produce and store eggs for reproduction, and to produce the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Not only do these hormones help to develop the vagina, fallopian tube, womb, breasts, and body shape throughout puberty but they also regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply and after some time, create a tumour. Not all tumours are cancerous, these are known as benign tumours and often do not spread to other parts of the body, therefore requiring little or no treatment. The cancerous tumours are known as malignant tumours which can spread to other parts of the body if they go untreated.
Ovarian cancer occurs most commonly in women between the ages of 40 and 60 who have experienced menopause.
It’s important to look out for symptoms so that you can speak to your doctor and be tested for ovarian cancer. What to look out for:
Persistent stomach pain and bloating
Difficulty eating or feeling fuller much faster
Needing to go to the toilet more often
Other symptoms can also be associated with ovarian cancer such as changes in your bowel habits (e.g. diarrhoea or constipation), fatigue and back pain. As many of us may get symptoms like this from time to time, its important to note how often they occur. These symptoms can also be other, less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or ovarian cysts. However, if you feel that they are more persistent you should make an appointment and see your GP as soon as possible.