Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in women and accounts for more UK deaths than all of the other gynaecological cancers put together. Over 6,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK and 4,200 will die.

The good news is that if diagnosed at an early stage, the outcome is good.  However, because some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those seen in more common conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Most women are not diagnosed until the disease has spread, which is why it is important that women know about the symptoms, so that they can seek advice as early as possible.

The key early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
• increased abdominal size/persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
• difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
• urinary symptoms - needing  to pass water more often than usual

It is most likely that these symptoms are not ovarian cancer but may be present in some women with the disease.

Early diagnosis can save lives.....

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which are not normal for you, it is important that you see your GP. It is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by a serious problem, but it is important to be checked out.

(In April 2011 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) published new guidelines for patients and GPs on Recognition and Initial Treatment of Ovarian Cancer - click here to read the summary).

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