Ovarian Cancer

IN OUR REGION

In the North West rates for ovarian cancer are 10% higher than the national average. On a county level, Lancashire’s rates are a 16% higher and Greater Manchester is 5% above the national average.

The incidence rate for in North Wales has increased in the latest and is currently 15% higher than the national benchmark. On a county level Anglesey is at 55%, Denbighshire at 38%, Conwy at 17%, and Gwynedd at 16% all above the national average.  

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can include: 

• Swollen tummy or bloated feeling

• Pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between your hips

• No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating

• An urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often

Other symptoms may include:  

• Indigestion  

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Back pain  

• Feeling tired all the time  

• Losing weight without trying  

• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause  

CAUSES

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Most cases in the UK are in women 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 diabetes 

• Have had radiotherapy treatment for a previous cancer

• 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 ovarian cancer, please visit your GP.