The month of March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month takes place every March to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and encourage early detection, better treatment options, and support for those affected.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian Cancer happens when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably. Ovaries are 2 small organs, used to store eggs needed to make babies. Ovarian cancer can affect women of any age, however it is more common in women over the age of 50. It can sometimes run in families.
Many factors may increase the risk of getting ovarian cancer. These include:
- Age, as mentioned previously
- Family history such as a close family member having/had ovarian or breast cancer
- Inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Women who have never been pregnant or had children
- Patients on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) after menopause
- Patients who have Endometriosis
- Being overweight or obese
- Patients who have had breast cancer or another form of cancer previously
Signs and Symptoms
- Swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- Urgent need to pee or need to pee more often
- Pain or tenderness in your tummy
Other Symptoms
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Feeling tired all the time
- Losing weight without trying
- Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
If you are experiencing/have experienced any of these symptoms – please speak to your GP
Support and Resources:
Many cancer charities such as Macmillan, Cancer Research or Maggie’s can offer advice and support for people with ovarian cancer, with easily accessible resources available too such as workshops, support groups and ways to donate to keep the charities able to support the general public. Please click on the links below for the three mentioned charities websites.