Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2025

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Around 7,500 women are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer each year in the UK.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries are two small glands situated on either side of the uterus that form part of the female reproductive system. A layer of tissue, called the peritoneum, supports the ovaries.

Cancers of the ovaries, peritoneum and fallopian tubes are often classed as Ovarian Cancer as they are all very close together. Doctors think that most Ovarian Cancers start in the cells at the end of the fallopian tube and then travel to the ovaries or the peritoneum.

(Source: Macmillan Cancer Support)

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer can include the following:

• a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
• pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
• no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
• an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often

Other symptoms of Ovarian Cancer can include:

• indigestion
• constipation or diarrhoea
• back pain
• feeling tired all the time
• losing weight without trying
• bleeding from the vagina after the menopause.

Symptoms are usually frequent, happening 12 or more times a month, and persistent (not going away).

(Source: NHS)

Because many of the symptoms are common, Ovarian Cancer can be diagnosed late. The earlier that Ovarian Cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Research by Target Ovarian Cancer found that 40% of women wrongly believe that cervical screening detects Ovarian Cancer, and only one in five women know that bloating can be a symptom.

Whilst your symptoms are unlikely to be Cancer, you should see your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms that are unusual for you or won’t go away.

Detection and diagnosis

As Ovarian Cancer can progress asymptomatically, blood tests are often used to inform diagnosis.

CA125 is a type of protein in your blood which can increase when Ovarian Cancer is present in the body. A blood test for this protein can help to determine whether further investigations, such as scans, are required.

Risk factors

Ovarian Cancer is more common in women over 50. However, it can also affect younger women.

Those at a higher risk include women with a family history of Ovarian or Breast Cancer. Women who have used hormone replacement therapy may also be at an increased risk.

(Source: Ovarian Cancer Action)

Supporting those affected

For those diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, there is a lot of support available:

• Ovacome is the main charity focused specifically on Ovarian Cancer in the UK. They provide support to anyone affected by Ovarian Cancer. Target Ovarian Cancer also provide support and work to fund research.
• The Eve Appeal is a national charity working to raise awareness in respect of all gynaecological cancers. They provide gynaecological cancer information in addition to a support service called ‘Ask Eve’
• Macmillan Cancer Support is a national charity that provides a range of support to those living with cancer in the UK, including a dedicated helpline and other educational resources
• Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer, including support groups and weekly sessions on a specific topic, such as nutrition and stress management. Each centre is located within an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.

Contact our medical negligence solicitors today

If you believe we can assist you when pursuing a Medical Negligence claim, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 0330 191 4835 or complete our online enquiry form.