These are the ovarian cancer signs and symptoms you need to know about

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, forming a tumour. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women - but do you know the disease’s signs and symptoms? Symptoms of ovarian cancer According to the NHS, common symptoms of ovarian cancer include: feeling constantly bloateda swollen tummydiscomfort in your tummy or pelvic areafeeling full quickly when eatingneeding to pee more often than normal However, the NHS notes that “the symptoms aren't always easy to recognise because they're similar to those of some more common conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).” When should I see my GP? You should see your GP if: you've been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeksyou have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won't go awayyou have a family history of ovarian cancer and are worried you may be at a higher risk of getting it What will my GP do? Your GP may: ask about your symptoms and general healthgently feel your tummy to check for any swelling or lumpscarry out an internal examinationask if there's a history of ovarian or breast cancer in your familytake a sample of blood – this will be sent to a laboratory and checked for a substance called CA125 The NHS adds, “In some cases, you may be referred straight to a hospital specialist (usually a gynaecologist) for further tests without having a blood test.” Bloating and pelvic discomfort can be signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer (Photo: Shutterstock) Causes of ovarian cancer The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but the NHS notes that some things may increase a woman's risk of getting it, such as: being over 50 years of agea family history of ovarian or breast cancer – this could mean you've inherited genes that increase your cancer riskhormone replacement therapy (HRT) – although any increase in cancer risk is likely to be very smallendometriosis – a condition where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found outside the wombbeing overweight “Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women,” says the NHS. Treatment The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on factors such as how far the cancer has spread and your general health. The main treatments for ovarian cancer are: surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible – this will often involve removing both ovaries, the womb and the tubes connecting them to each other (fallopian tubes)chemotherapy – this is usually used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, but is occasionally used before surgery to shrink the cancer This article originally appeared on our sister site, Yorkshire Evening Post