Persistent bloating
Bloating that is frequent, new, or does not settle.
PATIENT GUIDE · GYNAECOLOGIC CANCER
Ovarian Cancer: Know the Signs and Treatment Options
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise because its symptoms may resemble common digestive or urinary problems. Understanding persistent changes and getting the right assessment can help you make informed decisions.
This guide is for education and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
How to use this guide
Use these sections to understand the next steps, prepare questions and discuss your options with your doctor.
Your progress0 of 4 completed
This checklist is for guidance. You do not need to complete every step before seeking medical advice.
Recognise changes
Symptoms that deserve attention
Symptoms are often non-specific. What matters is a new or persistent change from your usual pattern, especially if it occurs frequently.
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Feeling full quickly
Getting full after eating only a small amount or having reduced appetite.
Urinary or bowel changes
Needing to pass urine more often, constipation, or a change from your usual pattern.
When to seek assessment: If symptoms are frequent, persistent, worsening, or unusual for you, arrange a medical review. Sudden severe abdominal pain, fainting, or repeated vomiting needs urgent medical care.
Understand risk
Who may have a higher risk?
Risk factors can change the likelihood of ovarian cancer, but they cannot predict an individual's diagnosis.
Inherited gene changes
A family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or inherited changes such as BRCA1/BRCA2, may increase risk.
Increasing age
Risk generally increases with age, particularly after menopause.
Reproductive and personal history
Some reproductive, hormonal, and personal-history factors may influence risk; discuss your individual history with a clinician.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop ovarian cancer, and many people diagnosed have no obvious family history. Genetic counselling may be appropriate in selected situations.
Assessment
How is ovarian cancer investigated?
The investigation is guided by symptoms, examination, age, medical history, and the findings on imaging.
Clinical assessment
A clinician reviews symptoms and history and performs an examination when appropriate.
Pelvic ultrasound
Ultrasound helps assess the ovaries and any pelvic mass or cyst.
CT or MRI scans
Further imaging may help assess the extent of disease and plan treatment.
Blood tests
CA-125 and other tests may support assessment, but results must be interpreted in context.
Tissue diagnosis
Pathology confirms the type of cancer. The safest and most appropriate way to obtain tissue depends on the clinical situation.
Important: CA-125 is not a stand-alone screening test for everyone and can be raised for reasons other than cancer. A normal result does not rule out every ovarian cancer.
Treatment planning
Ovarian cancer treatment options
Treatment depends on the cancer subtype and stage, whether surgery can safely remove the disease, test results, general health, and the patient's preferences.
Surgery
May remove the affected ovary or ovaries and visible disease. The extent of surgery depends on stage, fertility goals, and whether complete safe removal is feasible.
Chemotherapy
Often used before or after surgery, or as initial treatment in selected situations. The regimen and timing depend on the cancer type and treatment plan.
Targeted and maintenance treatment
Selected patients may benefit from targeted medicines or maintenance therapy, guided by tumour or inherited genetic testing and clinical suitability.
Other selected options: Hormone therapy may be useful for certain ovarian tumour subtypes. Immunotherapy may be considered for specific biomarker-defined situations. These treatments are not appropriate for every patient; ask your oncology team whether they apply to your diagnosis.
Your care pathway
What to expect next
Your team will explain each step and why it is needed. The order may differ from person to person.
Initial consultation
Review symptoms, history, examination findings, and existing reports.
Investigations
Complete the appropriate scans, blood tests, and tissue assessment.
Treatment discussion
Discuss diagnosis, stage, options, expected benefits, and risks.
Follow-up
Review recovery, pathology, treatment response, and ongoing care needs.
Common questions
Ovarian cancer FAQs
Clear answers to questions patients and families often ask.
Symptoms can be subtle and may overlap with common digestive or urinary problems. Persistent, new symptoms deserve medical assessment, but symptoms alone cannot confirm cancer.
Take the next step
Get clarity on your diagnosis and options
Arrange a consultation or seek a second opinion to discuss your treatment plan.
This page is for education and does not substitute for examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice. Please discuss persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified clinician.
