Ovarian cancer
There are nearly 7,000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year.
Ninety per cent of ovarian cancer develops in the lining cells of the ovary. Women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (abnormal genes most commonly associated with breast cancer) are also at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Symptoms of the disease are not usually apparent until the tumour has grown large enough to cause pressure and pain. It may also cause constipation, abdominal swelling and bloating, and, in younger women, irregular menstruation.
Ovarian cancer usually occurs in women who have passed the menopause. Diagnosis is confirmed by medical examination, ultrasound and CT or MRI scans and blood tests. Sometimes surgery is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Genetic risk factors
A small number of cancers (between 5 and 10% or less than 1 in 10 cases) seem to be caused by a gene that is inherited from either parent. If you have one or two relatives with cancer, this does not mean that a 'cancer gene' is running in your family.
Macmillan has created an online tool called OPERA to help you assess your inherited genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer, which is available on our Cancerbackup website.
Treatment
First line of treatment is surgery to remove the tumour followed, often, by chemotherapy. If the disease recurs, further courses of chemotherapy are prescribed.
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There is no screening programme for ovarian cancer but trials are underway to assess the value of certain tests.
Read further information about ovarian cancer on our Cancerbackup site.
Further information
Cancerbackup
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
CancerHelp
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
Wellbeing
www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk
Support
Ovacome
www.ovacome.org.uk
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