Ovarian cancer is sometimes called the “silent killer” because its early signs are easy to mistake for everyday complaints. But it is not truly silent — most women do have symptoms, and knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Found early, ovarian cancer is far more treatable.1 This guide explains who is at higher risk, the symptoms that matter, how the diagnosis is made, and the treatments available.

Who is at higher risk?

Some things make ovarian cancer more likely:

  • Age — most cases occur in women over 50, usually after the menopause.
  • Family history and genes — a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or a change (mutation) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, raises the risk.
  • Endometriosis — women with endometriosis have a somewhat higher risk.
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — long-term use is linked with a small increase in risk.
  • Being overweight — obesity increases the risk of several cancers, including ovarian.

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer — and some women with no risk factors do. That is why knowing the symptoms matters for everyone.

The symptoms to watch for

The key pattern is symptoms that are new for you, keep coming back (more than 12 times a month), and don't go away:2,3

  • Persistent bloating — not bloating that comes and goes
  • Pelvic or tummy pain
  • Feeling full quickly, or difficulty eating
  • Needing to wee more often or more urgently

Less common symptoms include back pain, changes in bowel habit, unusual tiredness, and losing weight without trying.1

These symptoms are usually caused by something far less serious. But if they are new, frequent and persistent, please see your doctor — even if they are mild. Getting checked early could save your life.2

Is there a screening test?

Many women ask whether there is a routine screening test for ovarian cancer, like the Pap smear for cervical cancer. At present, there is no proven screening test for women without symptoms — large studies have not shown that routine testing of healthy women saves lives.1 That is why acting on symptoms is so important.

The CA125 blood test is often misunderstood. It is not a general screening test: the level can be raised by many harmless conditions and can be normal in early cancer. Where it is genuinely useful is once an ovarian cyst or mass has been found — to help work out how likely it is to be serious — and in monitoring women already diagnosed with ovarian cancer during and after treatment.3

How ovarian cancer is diagnosed

If your symptoms or an examination raise concern, your doctor may arrange:

  • A pelvic examination — to check for anything abnormal.
  • An ultrasound scan — usually the first imaging test, to look at the ovaries.
  • A CA125 blood test — interpreted together with the scan findings, as above.
  • Further imaging (CT or MRI) — to look in more detail if needed.
  • A biopsy or surgery — in some cases, to confirm the diagnosis.

What about genetic (BRCA) testing?

Women with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer can be referred for genetic counselling and BRCA testing. This is available to our patients, and we counsel women through what the test means for them and their families — though the cost of testing can unfortunately be a barrier for many. If a BRCA change is found, options to reduce risk — from closer monitoring to risk-reducing surgery — can be discussed. If cancer in the family is on your mind, please raise it with us.1

Staging and treatment

If ovarian cancer is confirmed, it is staged by how far it has spread — from cancer confined to the ovaries, to spread to nearby organs, to spread further afield. Staging guides the treatment plan.

Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer, and on your health and wishes. The main options are:

  • Surgery — removing the tumour and affected tissue, which may include the ovaries, fallopian tubes and womb.
  • Chemotherapy — medicines that destroy cancer cells, often given after surgery.
  • Targeted therapy — newer medicines that attack cancer cells more selectively.

Hormone therapy, immunotherapy or a clinical trial may also be options in some situations.1

Can it be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, but some things are linked with lower risk: keeping to a healthy weight, having used the combined oral contraceptive pill, breastfeeding, and — for women at high genetic risk — risk-reducing surgery after specialist advice.1

The takeaway

Ovarian cancer is most treatable when found early — and early detection starts with you. Know the four key symptoms, take persistent changes seriously, and tell your doctor about any family history of ovarian or breast cancer. If something doesn't feel right, come and see us at Sugabi Clinic — checking is simple, and it could make all the difference.

References

  1. Cancer Research UK. Ovarian cancer [Internet]. London: Cancer Research UK; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer
  2. Target Ovarian Cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer [Internet]. London: Target Ovarian Cancer; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Ovarian cancer: recognition and initial management (CG122) [Internet]. London: NICE; 2011 [updated 2023; cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg122