What should you know about ovarian cancer month?

Awareness can help people recognise changes and discuss them clearly with a clinician. It cannot determine whether an individual has cancer, because symptoms can have several causes.

Ovarian cancer begins in or around an ovary and may cause symptoms such as ongoing bloating, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly, or changes in urination or bowel habits. A symptom is not proof of ovarian cancer, but a persistent or unusual change deserves assessment.

Awareness also includes understanding personal and family history. Some inherited gene changes, including BRCA-related changes, can affect risk. A clinician or genetic counsellor can explain whether BRCA Genetic Testing is appropriate and what a result could mean for relatives.

Diagnosis may involve an examination, blood tests and imaging. A Pelvic Ultrasound can help assess the ovaries and nearby structures, but further tests may be needed before a diagnosis is made.

Record symptoms in a simple diary: note when they started, how often they occur, whether they are changing, and any effect on eating, sleep or daily activity. Bring the list, medicines and relevant family history to an appointment.

Ask about the next diagnostic step rather than trying to interpret a symptom alone. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, care may include surgery, chemotherapy or other treatments selected according to the tumour and the person’s health. Ovarian Cancer Debulking Surgery and genomic tumour profiling may be discussed in some situations.

Support can begin at any stage. Palliative Care can help with symptoms, emotional concerns and practical needs alongside cancer treatment; it is not limited to the final stage of illness.

Arrange a medical review for new symptoms that persist, recur frequently or interfere with normal activities, especially bloating, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, early fullness, or urinary and bowel changes. Contact a clinician sooner if symptoms are worsening or accompanied by unexplained weight change, marked fatigue or bleeding after menopause.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing. These signs need prompt assessment regardless of whether ovarian cancer is suspected.

You could ask: Which symptoms or examination findings need follow-up? What tests would clarify the cause? Does my family history suggest genetic counselling? If cancer is found, what is the purpose of each proposed treatment, and how will side effects be managed?