Women are being urged not to ignore subtle warning signs that could indicate ovarian cancer, a disease often dubbed a 'silent killer' due to its vague early symptoms. Dr Amir Khan, a GP and ITV medical expert, has highlighted that these symptoms are frequently dismissed because they seem unrelated to the ovaries.
Why Ovarian Cancer Is Called a 'Silent Killer'
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women in the UK, with around 7,700 new cases each year—roughly 21 per day. Cancer Research UK notes that it can affect women, some transgender men, and non-binary people assigned female at birth. Risk increases with age, and factors like family history, inherited genetic faults (e.g., Lynch syndrome), endometriosis, diabetes, smoking, and asbestos exposure can raise the risk.
Speaking on the No Appointment Necessary podcast, Dr Khan explained: 'The symptoms [of ovarian cancer] are not very specific to the ovaries, so they feel like they could be coming from somewhere else.' This leads to them being easily dismissed by patients and even doctors.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
The main symptoms include persistent bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency. These can be mistaken for IBS or menopause. Dr Khan advises women over 35 to seek medical advice if they experience any unexplained or persistent symptoms lasting three weeks or longer.
- Swollen tummy or bloating
- Pain or tenderness in the tummy or between the hips
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- Urgent or more frequent need to urinate
Other less common signs include indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, back pain, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, heavier periods, or post-menopausal bleeding).
Risk Factors and Protective Factors
Being overweight or obese increases risk, as does having endometriosis or diabetes. Smoking and asbestos exposure are also linked to certain types. Conversely, the combined contraceptive pill, having children, and breastfeeding may reduce risk by reducing the number of ovulations in a lifetime.
When to See a Doctor
The NHS states that ovarian cancer mainly affects women over 50, but it can occur at any age. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy. If you have any symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, consult your GP. The NHS adds: 'The symptoms of ovarian cancer are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. But it's still important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it's more treatable.'
