March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and an opportunity for us to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and its signs and symptoms. Ovarian cancer is a condition that affects thousands of women in the UK each year. It is the sixth most common cancer in women, with around 7,500 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK. As with most cancers, early detection is important because it can improve the chances of successful treatment. Although the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be easy to confuse with other conditions, being aware of the signs and risks can save lives.
Symptoms and Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be challenging to detect in its early stages because the symptoms often overlap with those of other common conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. Some signs to watch for include:
If you have any of these symptoms that last for a few weeks, it’s important to see a doctor. While these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have cancer, as we always say, you know your body best and if something is not normal for you, it is always best to get checked out with your GP.
Diagnosis and the CA125 Blood Test
Currently, there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer in the UK, unless you have symptoms or are at an increased risk. If you do have symptoms, one test used to check for ovarian cancer is the CA125 blood test. This test measures the level of a protein (called CA125) that can be higher in women with ovarian cancer. For more information, visit here.
However, it is important to know that the CA125 test is not used as a diagnostic tool in isolation. CA125 levels can rise for other reasons, such as endometriosis or fibroids, but if your test does come back showing higher levels of CA125, doctors will perform additional tests such as ultrasound and biopsy in order to confirm any diagnosis.
Women who have a higher risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history of the condition or certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, may be offered more frequent screenings or genetic testing.
Early Diagnosis and Survival Rates
The earlier ovarian cancer is found, the better. If caught early, the survival rate can be as high as 95%. This shows how important it is to pay attention to your body and see a Doctor if something feels wrong. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.
Genetic Risks and Preventative Measures
As mentioned above, some women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer because of inherited genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with these mutations have a higher chance of getting both ovarian and breast cancer. In some cases, women with these mutations might choose to have surgery to lower their cancer risk. If you are over 18 and have a history of ovarian or breast cancer in your family and are worried, you can speak to your GP about genetic testing. They can refer you for a NHS genetic test, which will tell you if you have inherited one of the cancer risk genes.
Travel Insurance and Ovarian Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, having the right travel insurance in place can give you peace of mind. This will ensure that you have the correct cover to protect you for things like cancelling your holiday or if you require emergency medical treatment while travelling.
If you are planning a holiday and need travel insurance cover for ovarian cancer, you can find more information here.
