Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, do you know what you should be looking out for? Consultant Gynaecologist, Miss Neela Mukhopadhaya discusses the risks, symptoms and what to do if you’re concerned.

Ovarian cancer facts

• About 7,500 women are diagnosed each year in the UK
• A woman’s lifetime risk is 1 in 50
• When a woman is diagnosed at the earliest stage, her chance of surviving ovarian cancer for five years or more doubles from 46% to more than 90%

Everyone is at risk of ovarian cancer, but there are risk factors which make some people more susceptible:

• Statistics show that overweight women and smokers are more likely to develop ovarian cancer
• The risk of ovarian cancer dramatically increased in patients over 50 and those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• The risks are much higher for those with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. A BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation can increase risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer to a 50-85% lifetime risk

Symptoms to look out for:

• Pain in the tummy
• Feeling bloated
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
• Needing to pass urine more urgently or frequently

Testing for ovarian cancer is usually carried out after a consultation with a gynaecologist. A transvaginal ultrasound is the best diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer. Other investigations can include a physical examination, CT, MRI and blood tests.

Miss Neela Mukhopadhaya runs women’s health clinics here at Spire Harpenden Hospital, dedicated to helping women who are concerned about their health. If you are concerned about ovarian cancer or any other gynaecological matters, Miss Mukhopadhaya’s women’s health clinics could help put your mind to rest.

Please give our self-pay team a call today on: 01582 714 420 to discuss your options.