Spotting the ‘hidden' signs of ovarian cancer

With around 7,500 women in the UK diagnosed every year, it’s vital to know the subtle symptoms to look out for when it comes to this ‘invisible killer’

- DR PHILIPPA KAYE

Did you know that ovarian cancer kills more British women than the other four gynae cancers (womb, cervical, vaginal and vulval) combined*? It’s the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK, and generally affects women over the age of 50, after the menopause, with approximately half of patients being over the age of 65 when they are diagnosed.

Perhaps one reason it has one of the poorer recovery rates is because it’s often thought of as a ‘hidden’ cancer, as the symptoms, especially early on, are often extremely mild or vague. This means that ovarian cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.

In fact, initially there may be no symptoms at all for a period of time when the cancer first appears, and symptoms may not start until the tumour has become large enough to cause them. This is why being able to spot subtle changes is essential.

The exact cause is not known, but the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, obesity and with a family history of the condition.

The number of times you ovulate may also affect the risk. For example, not having children and having a late menopause increases the number of times you ovulate and slightly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. There may also be a slightly increased risk with taking HRT, although this is very small. Having endometriosis may also increase the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Look out for the following changes...