Cancers of the ovary, fallopian tube and of the peritoneum are often grouped together because they are so similar. They are treated in the same way. Ovarian cancer can affect anyone who has ovaries and fallopian tubes. This includes women, transgender (trans) men and people assigned female at birth.

Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer usually causes symptoms that are similar to common non-cancerous conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose 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.

Transgender (trans) men and people who are non-binary

If you have a womb, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, whether you are a trans man or identify as non-binary, you are still at risk of ovarian cancer.

If you are worried about ovarian cancer, have any of the symptoms, or have a family history, talk to your GP.