Ovarian cancer
There's currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. However, there are a number of thingsthat may help to prevent ovarian cancer.
Each time you ovulate, your ovaries are damaged by the egg as it breaks through the surface of the ovary and isreleased into your reproductive system.
The cells that make up the surface of your ovaries divide and multiply rapidly to repair the damage caused by the egg. It's this rapid cell growth that can occasionally go wrong and result in ovarian cancer.
Anything that stops the process of ovulation can help to minimise your chances of developing ovarian cancer. This includes:
Research into ovarian cancer has foundthat the condition may be linked to being overweight or obese . Losing weight through regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet may to help lower your risk of getting ovarian cancer. Aside from this, regular exercise and a healthy, low-fat diet are extremely beneficial to your overall health, and can helpto prevent all forms of cancer and heart disease .
At present, there's no screening methodfor ovarian cancer that is reliable enough to be used by all women in the UK. Clinical trials into this are continuing.
You may be eligible for screening if you're at high risk of developing the condition due to a strong family history, or if you'veinherited aspecific abnormal gene.
If you're at high risk, your GP can refer you to your local genetics service or family cancer clinic. You may be screened for ovarian cancer when you'reover the age of 35, or when you're five years away from the age at which your youngest relative was diagnosed with the condition. From this point, you'll be screened again once a year.
The screening tests for ovarian cancer are the same as those routinely used to diagnose it. The tests are:
The tests are used together to produce results that are as accurate as possible. However, as these screening methods are still in the process of being tested, there's no guaranteethey'll identify every case of ovarian cancer.
A cervical screening test , previously known as a smear test, can't detect ovarian cancer.
Want to know more?
Cancer Research UK: ovarian cancer screening
In the UK, around 7,100 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. It's the fifth most common cancer among women.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly in the condition's early stages.
Several possible causes of ovarian cancer have been identified, along with risk factors that may make developing the condition more likely.
See your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ovarian cancer. They will gently feel your tummy and ask about your symptoms, general health and family history.
If you have cancer, a team of specialists will work together to provide you with the best possible treatment and care. This is known as a multidisciplinary team.
How ovarian cancer will affect your daily life depends on the stage your condition is at and what treatment you're having.
There's currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. However, there are a number of things that may help to prevent ovarian cancer.
My problems started in 2003. Id been having a difficult year, as both my father and brother died within three months of each other.
Practice nurse Ruth Payne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 42.