March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and an opportunity for us to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and its signs and symptoms. Ovarian cancer is a condition that affects thousands of women in the UK each year. It is the sixth most common cancer in women, with around 7,500 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK. As with most cancers, early detection is important because it can improve the chances of successful treatment. Although the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be easy to confuse with other conditions, being aware of the signs and risks can save lives.
Ovarian cancer can be challenging to detect in its early stages because the symptoms often overlap with those of other common conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. Some signs to watch for include:
If you have any of these symptoms that last for a few weeks, it’s important to see a doctor. While these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have cancer, as we always say, you know your body best and if something is not normal for you, it is always best to get checked out with your GP.
Currently, there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer in the UK, unless you have symptoms or are at an increased risk. If you do have symptoms, one test used to check for ovarian cancer is the CA125 blood test. This test measures the level of a protein (called CA125) that can be higher in women with ovarian cancer. For more information, visit here.
However, it is important to know that the CA125 test is not used as a diagnostic tool in isolation. CA125 levels can also rise because of conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. A high CA125 result does not always mean you have ovarian cancer. If your levels are raised, your doctors may arrange further tests, such as an ultrasound scan or a biopsy, to confirm any diagnosis.
Some women have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. This includes those with a family history of the condition or inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. They may be offered more frequent screenings or genetic testing.
The earlier ovarian cancer is found, the better. If caught early, the survival rate can be as high as 95%. This shows how important it is to pay attention to your body and see a Doctor if something feels wrong. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.
As mentioned above, some women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer because of inherited genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with these mutations have a higher chance of getting both ovarian and breast cancer. In some cases, women with these mutations might choose to have surgery to lower their cancer risk. If you are over 18 and have a history of ovarian or breast cancer in your family and are worried, you can speak to your GP about genetic testing. They can refer you for a NHS genetic test, which will tell you if you have inherited one of the cancer risk genes.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, having the right travel insurance can give you peace of mind. This will ensure that you have the correct cover to protect you for things like cancelling your holiday or if you require emergency medical treatment while travelling.
If you are planning a holiday and need travel insurance cover for ovarian cancer, you can find more information here.
