Ovarian cancer

You may be worried about ovarian cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about ovarian cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that starts in the ovary.

It starts when cells in the ovary grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.

Ovarian cancer is most common in women. 

Some trans men and non-binary people can get ovarian cancer too.

Types of ovarian cancer

There are several different types of ovarian cancer, including:

• epithelial ovarian cancer
• germ cell ovarian tumours
• ovarian stromal tumours
• ovarian carcinosarcoma

Primary and secondary ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer can be primary or secondary.

Primary ovarian cancer is ovarian cancer that has not spread beyond the ovaries, nearby lymph nodes or pelvis.

Secondary ovarian cancer is when the cancer has spread from the ovary to other parts of the body. 

This is sometimes called advanced ovarian cancer, metastatic ovarian cancer or stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Related cancers

Primary peritoneal cancer starts in the lining of the abdomen, and fallopian tube cancer starts in the fallopian tubes.

They are both treated in the same way as epithelial ovarian cancer.

Causes of ovarian cancer

What causes ovarian cancer is often unknown, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing it.

Some of these risk factors are specific to ovarian cancer, including:

• family history of ovarian, breast or prostate cancer
• previous breast cancer
• other conditions, such as diabetes and endometriosis
• hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• having children later in life, or not having children

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get ovarian cancer. 

It is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.

You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of ovarian cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer sometimes has early signs. The BEAT checklist can help you recognise the main symptoms:

B – bloating or a swollen tummy
E – eating difficulty, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full more quickly
A – abdominal (tummy) pain, or pain between the hips
T – toilet changes, such as needing to pee (urinate) more often or urgently, or pooing more or less often, diarrhoea or feeling constipated

Other symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• weight loss
• unexplained back pain

Most people with these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer. 

If you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. 

If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer

If you have been having symptoms of ovarian cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. 

You should also tell them about any previous ovarian problems you have had, and if you have a family history of ovarian, breast or prostate cancer.

The doctor might:

• examine you by feeling your tummy (abdomen)
• arrange a blood test
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for ovarian cancer

A gynaecologist is a specialist in the female reproductive system, including the ovaries. 

To find the cause of your symptoms, a gynaecologist may arrange further tests, such as:

• an ultrasound scan of your tummy (abdomen)
• a pelvic exam, where the doctor puts a gloved finger into your vagina while pressing on your tummy to feel for any lumps. They might also insert a tool called a speculum to check the area around your cervix
• a CT scan
• a laparoscopy, where a camera is used to look at your ovaries through a small cut in your tummy
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of your ovarian tissue is removed and tested

A pelvic exam is usually painless, but it can feel uncomfortable. 

You can ask for a chaperone or bring someone for support if you would prefer.

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that asking some questions and preparing for your results helps. Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding an ovarian cancer diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have ovarian cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the ovaries.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have ovarian cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for ovarian cancer

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes.

It is common to have more than one type of treatment for ovarian cancer, such as:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• targeted therapies or biological therapies
• hormone therapy
• immunotherapy
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of ovarian cancer and treatment

An ovarian cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of ovarian cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for ovarian cancer

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, ovarian cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027