Every year, March is recognised as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — a dedicated time to spotlight one of the most challenging and least-understood cancers affecting people with ovaries. This month-long campaign aims to raise public awareness of ovarian cancer signs and symptoms, encourage early diagnosis, support research, and highlight the urgent need for better treatments and outcomes for those affected.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries are 2 small, oval-shaped organs in the pelvis (lower area between the hips). They are on either side of the womb (uterus), close to the fallopian tubes. These link the ovaries to the womb. A layer of tissue called the peritoneum supports the ovaries.

About 7,400 women are diagnosed with cancer of the ovary (ovarian cancer) each year in the UK.

The surface of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and peritoneum are very close together. Doctors think most ovarian cancers start in the cells at the end of the fallopian tube and travel to the ovaries or the peritoneum.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Cancer of the ovary causes symptoms like other more common and less serious conditions. This can make it more difficult to diagnose it early. 

If you have any of these symptoms or get these symptoms regularly, your GP should offer you cancer tests:

• a long-lasting bloated or swollen stomach (tummy)
• feeling full quickly when you eat
• loss of appetite
• pain in the lower tummy area
• back pain
• peeing (passing urine) more often than usual
• needing to pee urgently (feeling like you cannot hold on).

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer may include:

• a change in your normal bowel function (diarrhoea or constipation)
• weight loss for no obvious reason
• unexplained or extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• vaginal bleeding after the menopause.

If you are aged 50 or older and develop symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for the first time, you should also have tests. IBS can cause bloating and changes in bowel function. But it does not usually start after the age of 50.

We understand that showing any symptoms of what could be cancer is worrying. The most important thing is to speak to your GP as soon as possible. We are also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online.