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Ovarian cancer

Read more about ovarian cancer, including symptoms, treatments and causes.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Tests and next steps

Diagnosis

Treatment

Medical treatments

Causes

Causes

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include feeling full or bloated, a swollen or painful tummy, pelvic pain and loss of appetite.

A blood test and scan are usually the first tests done to check for ovarian cancer, but other tests might be needed to get a diagnosis.

The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy.

It is not always known what causes ovarian cancer. But the risk increases with age, and sometimes it can run in families.

Main symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:

  • a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
  • pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between your hips (pelvic pain)
  • no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
  • an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

  • indigestion
  • constipation or diarrhoea
  • back pain
  • feeling tired all the time
  • losing weight without trying
  • unusual bleeding from the vagina, including between periods, heavier periods or after the menopause

See a GP if:

  • you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer
  • you have previously seen a GP, but your symptoms have not gone away, are worse or more frequent

Important

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

But it's still important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it's more treatable.

Main causes of ovarian cancer

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Most cases in the UK are in women over 50.

Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer.

You may have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer if you:

  • inherited a faulty gene, such as the BRCA genes or those linked to Lynch syndrome
  • had breast cancer or bowel cancer
  • had radiotherapy treatment for a previous cancer
  • have endometriosis or diabetes
  • started your periods at a young age or went through the menopause late (over 55), or have not had a baby – because these things may mean you've released more eggs (ovulated more)
  • have never used any hormonal contraception, such as the pill or an implant
  • are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • are overweight
  • smoke

It's still possible to get ovarian cancer even if you've had your ovaries removed. This is because ovarian cancer can also affect your fallopian tubes, or the lining inside your tummy (peritoneum).

How to lower your risk of getting ovarian cancer

You cannot always prevent ovarian cancer but there are things you can do to help lower your chances of getting it.

Do

  • quit smoking (if you smoke)

  • stay a healthy weight or lose weight if you're overweight

  • talk with a GP if ovarian cancer runs in your family – they may refer you to a specialist for genetic testing

Information

It's important to get any symptoms of ovarian cancer checked by a GP.

Main tests for ovarian cancer

You will usually have a blood test and a scan if a GP thinks you may have ovarian cancer. Other tests will then be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

You may have an ultrasound scan to see if there are changes to your ovaries. Depending on things like your age and symptoms, the GP might ask for this to happen urgently.

The scan might be done using a smooth, tube-shaped scanning device inserted into your vagina (transvaginal scan). Or you may have an external scan over your tummy area (abdominal scan).

If your scan comes back normal, the GP should check to see whether anything else may be causing your symptoms – this might involve other tests.

If there is no apparent cause of your symptoms, the GP should advise you to come back again if the symptoms continue or become more frequent.

Sometimes ovaries are too small to show up on a scan, especially after the menopause.

If the blood test and ultrasound scan suggest you have ovarian cancer, the GP should refer you to see a specialist from the gynaecological cancer service in hospital.

A specialist may then arrange for further tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis, including:

  • a CT scan
  • removing a small sample of cells or fluid from your ovaries (needle biopsy)
  • looking at your ovaries using a camera on the end of a tube through a small cut in your tummy (laparoscopy)
  • surgery to remove tissue or possibly your ovaries (laparotomy)

Treatment for ovarian cancer

Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend on:

  • the size and type of ovarian cancer you have
  • where the cancer is
  • if it has spread
  • your general health

The main treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments include targeted medicines, radiotherapy and hormone treatments.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
  • talk to you about how treatment may affect you, for instance if there are any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your ovarian cancer treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about ovarian cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Ovacome

Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

Target Ovarian cancer

Information and support for anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

Eve Appeal

Information and support for anyone affected by cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulval and womb cancers.

Maggie's Centres

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

The Robin Cancer Trust

Information and support for anyone affected by germ cell cancer.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.