Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

At Cancer Relief Gibraltar, we are committed to supporting our community through every stage of a cancer journey. This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on one of the most overlooked cancers affecting women and encourage everyone to stay informed and empowered.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells grow and multiply in or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the peritoneum. These areas form part of the reproductive system and are responsible for producing eggs and important hormones.

Because the early symptoms can be subtle, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage which makes awareness absolutely vital.

Who Does It Commonly Affect?

Anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer, but the risk increases as people age, particularly after 55–60 years old.

Risk factors include:

• A family history of ovarian or breast cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations
• Endometriosis
• Obesity

While these factors may increase risk, ovarian cancer can still occur without them which is why staying alert to symptoms is so important.

Key Symptoms to Look Out For

Ovarian cancer can be easy to overlook in its early stages because symptoms often resemble common, everyday issues. However, if you’re experiencing any of the following frequently it would be good to flag them to your GP:

• Persistent bloating or a swollen tummy
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Needing to wee urgently or more often

Other possible symptoms include indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea, back pain, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing fatigue.

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean ovarian cancer, but it’s always better to get checked if something doesn’t feel right.

When Should You Speak to a GP?

You should contact your GP if:

• You experience any of the key symptoms regularly
• Symptoms are new for you, worsen, or don’t go away
• You have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer

Your GP may arrange a blood test and an ultrasound scan to investigate further. These steps can help detect potential issues early when treatment is most effective.

We know that early detection can save lives and we would like every woman and every family to feel supported, informed, and empowered to act quickly when something feels off.

Listen to your body. Trust your instincts. And never hesitate to seek medical advice.

We’re Here to Support You

If you or someone you love is affected by ovarian cancer, our dedicated team of nurses and therapists are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.