Did you know that ovarian cancer kills more British women than the other four gynae cancers (womb, cervical, vaginal and vulval) combined*? It’s the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK, and generally affects women over the age of 50, after the menopause, with approximately half of patients being over the age of 65 when they are diagnosed.
Perhaps one reason it has one of the poorer recovery rates is because it’s often thought of as a ‘hidden’ cancer, as the symptoms, especially early on, are often extremely mild or vague. This means that ovarian cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.
In fact, initially there may be no symptoms at all for a period of time when the cancer first appears, and symptoms may not start until the tumour has become large enough to cause them. This is why being able to spot subtle changes is essential.
The exact cause is not known, but the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, obesity and with a family history of the condition.
The number of times you ovulate may also affect the risk. For example, not having children and having a late menopause increases the number of times you ovulate and slightly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. There may also be a slightly increased risk with taking HRT, although this is very small. Having endometriosis may also increase the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Look out for the following changes...
この記事は WOMAN - UK の February 14, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は WOMAN - UK の February 14, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones