FROM THE GP’S SURGERY
MARCH is ovarian cancer month. Although ovarian cancer only accounts for 2% of total cancer cases in the UK, it is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to digestive tract conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can often be misdiagnosed. Only one third of UK women know what to look out for, so here’s what you need to know:
What is ovarian cancer?
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They are two small glands that are attached to the womb by the fallopian tubes. The ovaries produce eggs (for reproduction) and make the female sex hormones, progesterone and oestrogen.
Ovarian cancer happens when abnormal cells multiply in the ovaries and grow into a tumour. If the cancer is malignant and is not diagnosed or treated, it may spread into other parts of the body.
Scientists don’t know the exact causes of ovarian cancer, but risk factors include: Being over 50; Being on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – although this only causes a very small increase in ovarian cancer rates, so the risk is minimal; Being overweight; Having endometriosis (a condition of the womb), and
Having a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
Symptoms
These aren’t always easy to recognise as they mirror the symptoms of IBS. But there are additional symptoms that aren’t like IBS, which include a constantly swollen, bloated or painful tummy, needing to wee more often than usual, feeling full quickly after eating and discomfort in the pelvic area.
These can be accompanied by sudden or unexplained weight loss, feeling constantly tired, back pain, pain during sex, a change in bowel habits, ongoing indigestion or nausea and vaginal bleeding (especially if this occurs after the menopause).
When to see your GP
It may be unlikely that your symptoms are cancer, but it is always worth getting checked out. If diagnosed at the earliest stage of the disease, a woman has a 90% chance of survival – compared with 46% in the later stages. If you’ve already seen your GP about any of the suspected symptoms and they continue to get worse, go back and explain this to them.
Your GP may feel your tummy, give you an internal examination, refer you for an ultrasound scan, order a blood test or refer you to a gynaecologist for further tests.
Dr Alexandra Phelan is a working NHS GP and Online Doctor with Pharmacy2U. Visit www.pharmacy2u.co.uk