Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Hello, and welcome to Health Matters. Dr Michelle Wright here with your weekly look at all things medical.
Being pink October, last week, we talked about breast cancer. Today I’d like to continue the conversation about women’s health, with a focus on ovarian cancer.
Sometimes called the ‘silent’ cancer because its early symptoms can be easy to miss, in Switzerland, between six and seven hundred women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
While it’s less common than breast cancer, it’s often diagnosed at a later stage. This is because its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for everyday issues like digestive changes or hormonal shifts. That’s why increasing awareness of these signs is so crucial.
What symptoms should women look out for?
There are four main symptoms for women to remember.
First, persistent bloating.
I’m not talking about the occasional bloated feeling after a big meal, but a tightness or fullness in your tummy that doesn’t go away. Maybe your trousers feel snug, or your tummy feels firmer or rounder than usual, even if you haven’t gained weight.
Second, feeling full quickly or losing your appetite.
You might start a meal hungry but feel full after just a few bites, or even lose interest in food altogether. Sometimes there’s also indigestion, heartburn, or a constant unsettled stomach.
Third, needing to pass urine more often.
You might feel an urgent need to go, but then only pass a small amount. Or you feel like you never quite empty your bladder completely.
And fourth, pain or pressure in your lower tummy or pelvis.
It could be a dull ache, a heavy dragging feeling, or even sharper twinges. Some women notice pain during sex or when going to the toilet.
When should you see a doctor?
If any of these symptoms are new for you, happen frequently, or don’t settle after a few weeks, it’s important to check in with your doctor or gynaecologist.
When you do see your doctor, they will usually carry out a physical examination, arrange an ultrasound scan and they might suggest a simple blood test called CA-125.
What does the CA-125 test tell you?
This test measures a protein in your blood that can be higher in ovarian cancer. But it’s important to understand that its levels can also rise for several other reasons, including endometriosis, fibroids, or even during your period.
So, the CA-125 blood test isn’t a test that can diagnose ovarian cancer on its own, and that’s why it’s not used for routine screening.
Doctors mainly use it to help understand what’s going on, for example, if there’s a lump or swelling in the pelvis, and to monitor treatment or check for recurrence in women already diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Think of it as one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
Why does early detection matter?
The earlier ovarian cancer is found, the better the outcome. When it’s caught early, treatment can be simpler and more successful. That’s why listening to your body and acting when something feels off really matters.
My advice is always, you don’t need to panic, but you also don’t need to wait months hoping symptoms will go away on their own.
So, if you notice bloating, changes in appetite, needing to pee more often, or pelvic pain that just doesn’t feel right, please talk to your GP or gynaecologist. A short conversation could make all the difference.
