Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Dr. Arti Rampaul

Wellbeing

5 minutes

28 September 2026

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women worldwide.  It often presents late, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally.

Increased awareness of symptoms and risk factors can encourage earlier medical assessment, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.

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What are the ovaries?

The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped glands that are part of the female reproductive system. They produce eggs for reproduction and female hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. They are located on either side of the uterus (womb). Each ovary is connected to the uterus by a fallopian tube, which carries the egg from the ovary to the womb.

What is ovarian cancer?

Cancer occurs when normal cells become damaged and no longer respond to the body's natural controls on growth and cell death. These abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably and may spread to other organs. Ovarian cancer can develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of the abdomen and pelvis (the peritoneum).  Because these cancers behave similarly and are treated in the same way, they are often grouped together under the term ovarian cancer.  This explains why you can still develop ovarian cancer even if you have had your ovaries removed.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage because its symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for more common conditions. Recognising persistent symptoms and discussing them with your doctor may help identify whether further assessment is needed.

Please note: These symptoms are common and are usually not caused by cancer. However, if any of the following symptoms are new, occur frequently, or persist for several weeks, you should consult your doctor:

  • Persistent bloating 
  • Increased abdominal size or swelling
  • Reduced appetite or feeling full quickly when eating
  • Persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvis or abdomen
  • Increased urinary urgency or frequency not related to a urinary tract infection
  • Unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue
  • A persistent change in your bowel habit, such as constipation or diarrhoea

Is there an effective screening test for ovarian cancer, and who should be assessed?


Unlike breast cancer and cervical cancer, there is currently no effective screening test for ovarian cancer in women at average risk who do not have symptoms. Large international studies have shown that routine screening with CA-125 blood tests and ultrasound scans in women without symptoms does not reduce deaths from ovarian cancer and may result in unnecessary investigations and surgery.  CA-125 is a protein that can be measured in the blood and may be elevated in some women with ovarian cancer. However, it can also be raised in several non-cancerous conditions, and some women with ovarian cancer have normal CA-125 levels.

Screening applies to women without symptoms. Women who develop symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer should see their doctor for assessment. Depending on the findings, investigations may include a CA-125 blood test and an ultrasound scan.

Recommendations also differ for women at high risk, such as those with a strong family history of ovarian, breast, endometrial (uterine), pancreatic, or colorectal cancer, or those known to carry inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome. These women may benefit from specialist assessment and, in some cases, genetic counselling.

For most women, awareness of symptoms, understanding family history, and seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms remain the most important tools for early detection.

What are some of the risk factors of ovarian cancer?

  • Age: Ovarian cancer can occur at any age, but the risk begins to rise in midlife and increases after age 45 and after menopause.
  • Family history: Having a first- or second-degree relative with ovarian, breast, endometrial (uterine), colorectal, pancreatic, or prostate cancer may increase your risk of ovarian cancer, particularly if the cancer was diagnosed at a younger age.
  • Genetic mutations: Approximately 10-15% of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations. The most common are BRCA1 and BRCA2, but other inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Reproductive history: Early menstruation (before the age of 12), late menopause (typically after age 52-55), and never having had children are associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer. These factors are thought to increase risk by resulting in a greater number of lifetime ovulations.
  • Personal history of cancer: Women with a personal history of breast, endometrial, or colorectal cancer may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly when these cancers are associated with inherited cancer syndromes.
  • Personal history of endometriosis: Women with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, may have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than women without the condition.
  • History of radiation therapy: Women who have received radiation therapy to the pelvis for a previous cancer may have a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Carrying excess weight: Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of ovarian cancer than women with a healthy weight. 
  • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.

How can you reduce your risk?

  • Maintain a healthy weight:  Maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood may help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. High body mass index is one of the leading modifiable risk factors associated with ovarian cancer.

    Lifestyle measures that support a healthy weight include:

    • Eat a balanced, fibre-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds.
    • Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and highly processed refined carbohydrates.
    • Stay physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week (such as brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days per week) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (such as running). Include strength training for all major muscle groups at least twice weekly and flexibility exercises several times per week.
  • Stop smoking:  Smoking is associated with an increased risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.  Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer and provide numerous other health benefits. 
  • Breastfeed, if possible: Research suggests that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, with longer durations providing greater protection. This is thought to occur because breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, reducing the number of ovulations over a woman's lifetime.
  • Know your family history:  Consider discussing genetic counselling with your doctor if multiple relatives on either side of your family have been diagnosed with ovarian, breast, pancreatic, colorectal, prostate, or endometrial cancer, particularly if diagnosed at a young age.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is designed to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms but does not replace an individual assessment by a healthcare professional. If you have persistent symptoms, concerns about your cancer risk, or a strong family history of cancer, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalised advice and appropriate investigations.

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