‘Some days I felt like I’d been poleaxed’
Practice nurse Ruth Payne, 53, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 11 years ago. “I went to my GP because I had a number of minor symptoms,” says Ruth. “I had irritable bowel-type symptoms and went...
View Article‘My way of coping was keeping manically busy’
“My problems started in 2003. I’d been having a difficult year, as both my father and brother died within three months of each other. I noticed my abdomen was expanding, even though I was eating less....
View ArticleIntroduction of Ovarian cancer
Cancer of the ovary affects more than 6,500 women in the UK each year. It is the fifth most common cancer among women after breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer and cancer of the uterus (womb)....
View ArticleSymptoms of ovarian cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly in early stages of the disease. This is because they are often the same as symptoms of other less serious conditions, such as...
View ArticleCauses of ovarian cancer
Several possible causes of ovarian cancer have been identified, along with risks that may make developing the condition more likely. Our bodies are made up of billions of tiny cells. Normally, cells...
View ArticleDiagnosing ovarian cancer
If you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible. Your GP will first ask about your symptoms, your general health and whether there is a history of ovarian...
View ArticleTreating ovarian cancer
Surgery The majority of women who have ovarian cancer will be considered for surgery. Sometimes, it is not possible to confirm the stage of the cancer until the surgery. Your doctor will discuss with...
View ArticlePreventing ovarian cancer
Currently, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. However, there are a number of things that may help prevent ovarian cancer. Stopping ovulation and the contraceptive pill Each time...
View ArticleLiving with ovarian cancer
Recovery and follow-up Recovering from treatment Many women with ovarian cancer have a hysterectomy. This is a major operation, and takes around six to 12 weeks to recover from. During this time you...
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