Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board is helping raise awareness of gynaecological cancer symptoms in support of World Ovarian Cancer Day, marked annually on 8 May. This type of cancer ranks among the most common affecting women, with over 7,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK.
Who is most at risk?
This condition most often affects women after the menopause, typically those over the age of 50. However, younger women can also develop it.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer
Look out for the following signs that may indicate something is wrong:
- Feeling constantly bloated
- A swollen tummy
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Needing to wee more often than usual
These symptoms can be tricky to recognise, as they mimic more common issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If the symptoms are frequent, persistent, and unusual for you, book an appointment with your GP.
When to contact your GP Practice
Get checked by your GP if:
- You’ve felt bloated on most days for three weeks or more
- You have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won’t go away
- You have a family history of related cancers and are worried about your risk
Understanding the risk factors for gynaecological illnesses
The exact cause isn’t clear, but several factors may raise the risk:
- Age – particularly over 50
- Family history of breast or ovarian conditions
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – the increased risk is usually small
- Endometriosis – where womb-like tissue grows outside the uterus
- Being overweight
Early diagnosis saves lives
Detecting this disease at an early stage greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term recovery. When diagnosed promptly, many women respond well to available therapies and can go on to lead healthy lives. Unfortunately, many cases are not identified until the cancer has already spread, which can make treatment more complex and reduce the likelihood of a full cure.
To learn more, visit: Ovarian cancer – NHS