Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, mainly affecting those who have been through the menopause, but it can sometimes affect younger women.
According to Target Ovarian Cancer, 1 in 5 women think that ovarian cancer is detected by a smear test. Smear tests (cervical screenings) detect the early stages of cervical cancer, NOT ovarian cancer.
According to the NHS, the symptoms to look out for are:
- Feeling constantly bloated
- A swollen tummy
- Discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Needing to pee more often than normal
These symptoms are very similar to more common conditions, but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, when should you visit your GP?
NHS guidelines state that you should see your GP if:
- You've been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeks
- You have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won't go away
- You have a family history of ovarian cancer and are worried you may be at a higher risk of getting it
In many cases, the symptoms you are experiencing are not caused by cancer, but if it is, early detection is key, and a cure is possible.
If the cancer is left undetected, the cancer may spread and a cure is less likely.
For more details please the Cancer Research website.
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