What should you know about World Ovarian Cancer Day?

The day is an opportunity to learn about Ovarian Cancer, share reliable information and acknowledge people living with the disease, those receiving treatment and families affected by it. Awareness should include symptoms that persist or change, such as bloating, pelvic discomfort, feeling full quickly or changes in bowel or bladder habits. These symptoms can have many causes, so they do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

Conversations may also cover inherited risk. A family history of ovarian or related cancers can be a reason to discuss BRCA Genetic Testing and genetic counselling. Testing is a personal healthcare decision and results may affect screening or risk-reduction discussions.

Use the day to record symptoms, family history and medicines before an appointment. A clinician may assess your history, examine you and decide whether tests such as Pelvic Ultrasound are appropriate. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed, care may involve surgery, Chemotherapy or genomic testing, depending on the tumour and your overall health. Supportive care can be introduced alongside cancer treatment when symptoms or emotional needs require attention.

Arrange a clinical assessment for persistent or worsening abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, unexplained weight change, unusual vaginal bleeding, repeated vomiting or difficulty eating. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or sudden deterioration. A symptom is not proof of ovarian cancer, but prompt assessment can clarify its cause.

Ask what may explain your symptoms, which examination or imaging is suitable, whether your family history changes your risk discussion, and when you should return if symptoms continue. If cancer is found, ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, whether tumour profiling is relevant, and how surgery, Chemotherapy and supportive care fit together.