What should you know about ovarian cancer after breast cancer?

A previous breast cancer does not automatically mean that a new pelvic or abdominal symptom is ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can present with persistent bloating, pelvic discomfort, changes in bowel or bladder habits, reduced appetite, or feeling full quickly; these symptoms also have many non-cancer causes. A clinician considers whether a new problem represents a separate cancer, spread of the earlier cancer, or another condition.

Inherited gene changes, including BRCA-related changes, can be relevant to both breast and ovarian cancer risk. Your family history and the details of the first tumour may affect whether genetic counselling or testing is offered. Tumour testing can also help the team discuss treatment choices after diagnosis.

Arrange a clinical review for persistent or new symptoms. Take your breast cancer pathology, scan reports, operation details, medicine list, and family cancer history if available. Assessment may include an examination, blood tests, and imaging such as a [Pelvic Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/pelvic-ultrasound/). If cancer is suspected or confirmed, the team may discuss [BRCA Genetic Testing](/treatments/risk-reduction-and-prevention/brca-genetic-testing/), [Genomic Tumour Profiling](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/genomic-tumour-profiling/), surgery, and [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/).

Contact your oncology or primary care team promptly for persistent abdominal swelling, escalating pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, new breathlessness, or unexplained weight change. Seek emergency care for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or sudden breathing difficulty. Urgency is based on the symptom and its severity, not on the fact that you previously had breast cancer.

Ask: Could my symptoms have more than one explanation? Do my breast cancer records suggest inherited risk? Should I have genetic counselling? Which scan or biopsy is needed? Would treatment differ if this is a new ovarian cancer or recurrence of breast cancer?