No to Ovarian Cancer – Spotting the signs and symptoms early
Ovarian cancer is far more treatable in its earliest stages, which is why the NHS is urging women not to delay vital checks if they have symptoms or concerns. Spotting the signs early can help experts treat ovarian cancer as two-thirds of those with the illness are diagnosed too late, giving the cancer the opportunity to spread. 
Even if you attend cervical screening, it is important to note that this type of procedure will not detect ovarian cancer. If you are displaying symptoms or a cause for concern, our Gynae-oncology services offer advice, counselling and treatment following referral from your local GP or other medical doctors.
We also offer urgent access clinics and weekly oncology clinics, working closely with our Radiology team for diagnosis and investigations. Our Gynae-oncology and Radiology services diagnose 18 women with Ovarian cancer each year and see an average of 71 women with a two week waiting period (maximum waiting period) each year referred to us for assessment and investigation for suspected ovarian cancer.
We spoke with Nicola McGowan, our Cancer Improvement Manager and Lisa Parton, Clinical Nurse Specialist at our Women’s Hospital about the importance of raising awareness of spotting the signs and symptoms early on.
Lisa Parton said: “The symptoms for ovarian cancer can be quite vague and are not always an affirmed sign for ovarian cancer, however, if you experience any of the symptoms below more than 12 times a month, it’s important to speak with your GP. There’s a lot of fear around the word cancer but the more we delay testing because of fear, the more harm this can cause because the sooner we catch ovarian cancer, the sooner we can treat this.”
Recent reports from the Telegraph show that people are generally more frightened of cancer than COVID-19. The NHS are urging those with symptoms to seek help and not let fear of a diagnosis delay their care journey.
Nicola McGowan said: “We aim to ensure that any patient referred to us on our two-week waiting list with suspected Ovarian cancer pathway is prioritised and treated with the same urgency as if they have a confirmed cancer diagnosis.
“This is to ensure that we can rule out or confirm a diagnosis at the earliest possible point in the hope that this will provide an opportunity for treatment options.
“We have internal processes in place to allow patients to progress through their pathway quickly and without delay. This will help reduce any risk of progression and to ensure appropriate management/treatment plans are implemented as soon as possible.”
Your GP may refer you for initial testing with TV US scan and a blood test, CA-125, particularly if you are 50 years of age and over, or this may be organised alongside an appointment to see one of our team. The TV US scan uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries whereas the CA-125 blood test monitors the levels of CA-125 protein in the blood. The CA-125 level may be higher in women with ovarian cancer.
Here are the main symptoms to look out for:
- Persistent bloating
- Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite
- Pelvic or abdominal pain (tummy or below)
- Needing to urinate (wee) suddenly or more frequently
Other symptoms
- Change in bowel habits (Diarrhoea or constipation)
- Excessive tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Back pain
Please note that not all women with these symptoms will have ovarian cancer but if you experience these consistently over the period of a month, it may be worth speaking with your GP for a general check-up.