Gynaecologist Reveals Hidden Ovarian Cancer Symptom You Must Never Ignore
Each year, approximately 7,400 women in the United Kingdom receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, positioning it as the sixth most common cancer among women, according to data from Cancer Research UK. This disease predominantly affects older women over the age of 50, although it can develop in individuals of any age. Certain risk factors, such as smoking and medical conditions like endometriosis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Survival Rates
Experts highlight that the primary challenge with ovarian cancer is that more than 75 percent of cases are diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer has already spread into the abdomen or beyond. While treatments have advanced significantly, a later diagnosis results in considerably lower survival rates, underscoring the critical need for early detection.
Subtle Warning Signs Explained by Dr. Susanna Unsworth
Dr. Susanna Unsworth, a gynaecologist, emphasises that ovarian cancer often fails to produce noticeable symptoms until it has become quite advanced, contributing to late diagnoses. However, she identifies several subtle warning signs that could indicate early-stage ovarian cancer and urges women to remain vigilant. "I would encourage booking a review with your GP if you are experiencing them," she told The Mirror. "Many of the symptoms are subtle and do not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But it is worth having them checked out to hopefully exclude any underlying problem."
The key symptoms to watch for include:
- Bloating: New onset bloating that does not settle within two to three weeks, occurs frequently without an obvious trigger, or does not resolve with usual treatments or dietary changes.
- Pain: A new pain in the pelvis, back, or lower abdomen that does not quickly settle.
- Urinary Symptoms: Passing urine more frequently or needing to get up during the night to urinate.
- Lump or Swelling: Any lump or swelling in the lower abdomen or pelvis, though this is an unusual early indicator.
Additional symptoms to be vigilant about include persistent indigestion, changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
What to Expect When Visiting Your GP
Dr. Unsworth explains that these symptoms can often be subtle and overlap with other common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. "The key thing is if the symptoms are new to you, are different to your usual symptoms, or do not respond to your usual treatments, then it makes sense to get them checked out," she advises. When consulting a GP, it is important to discuss the symptoms openly and mention concerns about ovarian cancer to ensure a thorough assessment.
After discussing symptoms, your GP will likely conduct an examination, including an abdominal check and possibly an internal vaginal examination to detect any swellings around the ovaries. In early ovarian cancer, the examination may be normal, so further tests such as a pelvic ultrasound or a Ca125 blood test to look for a tumour marker protein are often arranged. Additional tests might include blood tests for inflammation or stool tests to rule out bowel problems.
If any tests raise concerns, your GP will refer you to a gynaecology specialist for further assessment. If tests are normal, the likelihood of ovarian cancer is extremely low, and other management options for symptoms can be recommended.
Dr. Susanna Unsworth is an NHS Community Gynaecology and Menopause Specialist, Founder of Cambridge Women's Health Menopause Clinic, and creator of the menopause supplement Meno8.
