{"id":2335,"date":"2022-06-30T09:07:39","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T09:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/5c94728ac9.nxcli.io\/en\/?p=2335"},"modified":"2023-08-02T15:27:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T15:27:35","slug":"dr-frankie-ovarian-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.femfresh.eu\/en\/expert-advice\/dr-frankie-ovarian-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"dr frankie – ovarian cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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dr frankie – ovarian cancer<\/h1>
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Understandably, we don\u2019t like talking about the C word<\/em> very much, but education is power and when it comes to cancer \u2013 knowing the signs and being able to spot them early is key. When it comes to female cancers, breast cancer and cervical cancer often make the headlines, but this month it\u2019s time to get clued up on the third \u2013 ovarian cancer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Ovarian cancer is one of the gynaecological cancers, affecting the ovaries \u2013 part of the female reproductive system, whereby each month, an egg is released from the ovaries during ovulation. Over 7500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK, making it the 6th most common cancer in women. Risk increases with age and it\u2019s most common in women over 75, but it can affect younger women too, particularly if there\u2019s a family history<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

How does it present?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ovarian cancer is a nifty one \u2013 it often goes undiagnosed until it reaches the late stages because its symptoms are vague and often overlap with other more common and less serious conditions such as IBS, meaning it can be difficult to pick up at an early stage. Symptoms include bloating (which is not always obvious), feeling full quickly, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, needing to wee more frequently, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained tiredness, unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habit. I think we can all agree that we\u2019ve experienced at least one of these symptoms at some point? Hence it can often slip through the net. It\u2019s important if these symptoms persist, particularly if over the age of 50 or have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, that you run these symptoms by your doctor. It\u2019s probably nothing to worry about but it\u2019s always best to get checked out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

What causes ovarian cancer?<\/em><\/p>\n

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known, however there are a few factors associated with increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, including:<\/p>\n

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  • Increasing age – Like many cancers, the biggest risk factor is age \u2013 with over half of cases occurring in women over 65 years.<\/li>\n
  • Family history – Some people will develop ovarian cancer as a gene may run in their family which puts them at increased risk (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes which can also cause breast cancer). Approximately 5-10% of cases of ovarian cancer are through to be hereditary.<\/li>\n
  • Starting periods at a younger age, having a later menopause (over 55years) and not having children may increase risk \u2013 this is because these things increase the number of times you ovulate. During each ovulation, an egg is release from the ovaries and cell repair must take place, creating more opportunities for a cancerous cell to develop<\/li>\n
  • Previous cancers \u2013 particularly if received radiotherapy treatment for cancers such as bowel cancer<\/li>\n
  • Common cancer risk factors such as smoking, being overweight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Interestingly, taking the combined oral contraceptive pill appears to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer as it can reduce ovulation and ovarian activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

    Are there any screening tests for ovarian cancer?<\/em><\/p>\n

    Unlike breast and cervical cancer, we don\u2019t have any robust screening tests for ovarian cancer. So it\u2019s vitally important that you go to your doctor to get any symptoms checked out if they occur. Your GP may wish to do a blood test, and internal examination and possibly refer you for an ultrasound scan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

    If caught early, ovarian cancer can have a good outcome. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important we are all aware of the signs to look for. So, what can you do? Read up, speak up and share this article with you mums, sisters, aunties and friends and let\u2019s raise awareness about this important cancer!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

    Dr Frankie<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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    more expert advice<\/h2>
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