March is Ovarian Cancer month, so what better time to increase your awareness of this potentially deadly disease.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
- Persistent stomach pain
- Persistent bloating
- Finding it difficult to eat or feeling full quickly
- Needing to urinate more often
You may also notice:
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Feeling tired all the time
If you have any of these symptoms persistently, consult your doctor.
How common is ovarian cancer?
Around 7,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.
Older women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer – 80% of cases are in women over the age of 50, although younger women can get the disease.
A family history of ovarian cancer and breast cancer can also mean you are at greater risk of developing the disease.
A slight increase in risk has been linked to:
- A long menstrual history – starting your periods before the age of 12 and going through menopause after 55
- Having your first child over the age of 30, or not having children
- Having endometriosis
- HRT
- Smoking
To learn more about ovarian cancer visit Ovarian Cancer Action’s informative website.
If you are worried about this disease and would like to discuss it further with us, you can book an appointment with one of our female GPs.