Ovarian Cancer

IN OUR REGION

In the North West rates for ovarian cancer are 17% higher than the national average. On a county level, Cumbria’s rates are a huge 41% higher, Merseyside 26%, Cheshire 19% and Greater Manchester 10% all above the national average.  

North Wales landscape is similar, with 13% higher rates than the national benchmark. On a county level Anglesey is at 32%, Conwy at 30%, Denbighshire at 18% and Gwynedd at 17% all above the national average.  

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can include: 

• Changes in bowel habits (such as constpiation or diarrhoea) 
• Pain or tenderness in the tummy or pelvis 
• Swollen or bloated tummy 
• Weeing more often or urgently 
• Loss of appetite, feeling sick, or feeling full quickly 

Other symptoms may include:  

• Indigestion  
• Back pain  
• Feeling tired all the time  
• Losing weight without trying  
• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause  

CAUSES

Ovarian cancer is most common in women aged over 50. 

It can affect anyone who has ovaries. 

Sometimes ovarian cancer runs in families. 

You can still get ovarian cancer if you have had your ovaries removed as it can also affect the fallopian tubes, or the lining inside your stomach (peritoneum).  

You may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer if you:  

• Smoke 
• Are overweight 
• Have a family history of ovarian cancer 
• Have endometriosis or diagetes 
• Have had previous cancers 
• Went through the menopause after 55 
• Have never had a baby 
• Have never used hormonal contraception 

TREATMENT

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the size of the cancer, where it is, if it has spread, and your general health.  

The main treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments include targeted medicines and hormone treatments.  

If you have any concerns about the signs and symptoms of womb cancer, please visit your GP.