If you think you might have symptoms of ovarian cancer, it's important to see your GP. We've created this top tips list to help you talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing and what information you might like to gather before booking an appointment.
If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not right. Help them to help you by stating all of your symptoms and expressing your concern. You can say, 'I am worried it could be ovarian cancer and I would like a CA125 blood test to check this out.' Trust your instinct and do not be afraid to return to your GP to ask for further investigations." - Peg
1. Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Symptoms include:
- persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
- feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite pelvic or abdominal pain (that’s from your tummy to the top of your thighs)
- urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual).
You should contact your GP surgery if you have any of these symptoms and they’re new for you, don’t go away or happen more than 12 times a month.
2. There can also be other symptoms such as:
- changes in bowel habit (diarrhoea or constipation)
- extreme fatigue (feeling very tired)
- unexplained weight loss.
Any unusual bleeding from the vagina before or after the menopause should also always be investigated by a GP.
3. Tell your GP surgery you’re worried about ovarian cancer and need action as soon as possible. If you fill in an online form to book an appointment, mention concerns about ovarian cancer in the free text box. Your surgery should order a CA125 blood test. A high level of CA125 in your blood could be a sign of ovarian cancer, but a raised CA125 level doesn’t mean you definitely have ovarian cancer as it can also be raised by other conditions. They may also order an ultrasound scan of your ovaries and tummy. You should ask what the next steps are in your appointment.
4. Keep a symptoms diary to track your symptoms. This can be very useful not only for you but also for your GP. Download or order a symptoms diary for free.
5. Think about your family history. Ovarian cancer can run in families. If anyone in your family has had ovarian or breast cancer, on either your mother’s or father’s side, make sure you tell your GP.
6. Give as much information as possible. Write down anything you would like to discuss or any specific concerns you have. If you would prefer a face-to-face appointment with a particular GP, please ask for this. If this causes a delay, it may be sensible to accept the first appointment offered; you can always ask for a more specific follow up.
7. You can ask your surgery if they offer a longer appointment slot if you need time to discuss more than one concern. If you have had a telephone appointment and symptoms continue, ask to be seen in person.
8. Cervical screening tests - known as smear tests - do NOT detect ovarian cancer. All new symptoms should be discussed with your GP.
9. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have similar symptoms to ovarian cancer, but new cases of IBS are very unlikely in women over the age of 50. If you have a change in bowel habit you should tell your GP.
10. Keep going back to your GP if your symptoms don't improve, even if you've had normal CA125 test results. For a small number of women with ovarian cancer their CA125 level stays within the normal range. Be persistent if you continue to have symptoms, you can take a friend or family member to support you at your follow-up appointments.
Act early if you feel something is wrong. You know your body best.
