Publish date: 17 March 2025
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month aims to highlight one of the most common cancers affecting women – but one that is often diagnosed too late.
The annual campaign shines a spotlight on the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which sees more than 7,000 women in the UK diagnosed every year.
She said: “I initially went to my doctor because I felt a little swollen and he sent me for an ultrasound, but they didn’t pick anything up then, so I presumed everything was fine.
“Two years later, I was extremely swollen. It felt like I was carrying a lot of water around, and it got to the point where I felt like I was having a prolapse. The only way I could be comfortable was to sit on my knees.”
Carol arranged with her local GP practice to see a female doctor, but the agony became so unbearable that she managed to get an appointment at short notice with a practice nurse.
The nurse carried out a CA 125 test that measures protein levels. A healthy level is up to 35 units per millilitre, although it can fluctuate, however Carol’s came back at nearly 600 which triggered the need for an ultrasound, an MRI and then an appointment with a gynaecologist.
Unfortunately, that’s when Carol was diagnosed with cancer and within a week she began chemotherapy.
“The hardest part of it all was having to explain it to the children. I had to tell them it can’t be cured, but I wouldn’t give in and I’d give it everything I’ve got.
“I have to keep going for them.
“Up until now, the chemotherapy drugs are controlling my cancer. At the last scan, they could see a very slight bit of shrinkage.
“I consider myself one of the lucky ones. As long as I am fit and healthy, I can have up to 18 rounds of this latest chemotherapy, which takes me into the spring.”
As with all cancers, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances that the treatment will be successful.
As well as swelling or bloating of the stomach, some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- pain or tenderness in the pelvis
- loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- needing to pee urgently or more often
- indigestion
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- unexpected weight loss
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause.
Carol adds: “If you have the symptoms, and you know something’s not right, make an appointment to see your doctor. I wish I had gone back sooner.
“The treatment I’ve had from the oncology team has been amazing. Never have I felt like just a number to them – instead they make me feel important.
“The chemo keeps me going. I just live in hope that something else will come up.”
Dr Neil Smith, primary care director at Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, said: “It is always vital that you see a doctor when you notice symptoms and, of course, the earlier a cancer is detected, there is more chance that treatment will be successful.
“Even if cancer isn’t detected, if the symptoms still remain or worsen please don’t ignore them or hope it will go away - follow up with your GP.”
For more information on symptoms of ovarian cancer and when to seek medical advice, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer.
