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Ovarian cancer

Overview

Open all pages about Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, which are the 2 small organs that store the eggs needed to make a baby.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include feeling full or bloated, a swollen or painful tummy and loss of appetite.

It is not always known what causes ovarian cancer. But the risk increases with age, and sometimes it can run in families.

It's not always possible to prevent ovarian cancer. Having a healthy lifestyle may help. Get advice from a GP if ovarian cancer runs in your family.

A blood test and scan are usually the first tests done to check for ovarian cancer, but other tests might be needed to get a diagnosis.

The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy.

If you have ovarian cancer, support is available from your specialist team and charities like Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.

Page last reviewed: 24/01/2022
Next review due: 24/01/2025