Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP, gynaecologist, or qualified healthcare professional if you experience persistent symptoms, changes in your health, or have concerns about ovarian cancer. Never delay seeking professional medical advice based on information from this publication.

What Every Woman Needs to Know: Recognising Early Symptoms, Understanding Testing at Every Age

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent cancer” because its early symptoms can be subtle, vague, or mistaken for everyday digestive or hormonal issues. Yet early detection significantly improves outcomes. Understanding the warning signs and knowing when to seek medical advice can save lives.

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. While it can affect women of any age, risk increases with age, particularly after menopause.

Does the School HPV Vaccine Protect Against Ovarian Cancer?

Many women remember receiving a “cancer prevention jab” at school and understandably assume this protects against ovarian cancer. In the UK, this vaccine is the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, usually given to children aged 12–13.

While the HPV vaccine plays a vital role in preventing cervical cancer, along with some cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, mouth, and throat, it does not protect against ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is not caused by HPV, and there is currently no vaccine or routine national screening programme for ovarian cancer. This means that even women who have received the HPV vaccine and attend regular smear tests can still develop ovarian cancer.

This is why awareness of symptoms remains so important. Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, changes in appetite, or bladder habits should never be ignored, regardless of vaccination status.

Common Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms are frequently persistent rather than sudden. If any of the following occur almost daily for several weeks, it is important to contact your GP:

Persistent bloating or swelling of the abdomen
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
Needing to urinate urgently or more often
Unexplained fatigue
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
Back pain
Pain during intercourse
Unexpected weight loss or gain
Menstrual changes or post-menopausal bleeding

These symptoms are easily dismissed as IBS, menopause, stress, or ageing, which is why ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late.

The key red flag is persistence. If symptoms are new, frequent, and not resolving, they should always be checked.

At What Age Should Women Be Tested?

Currently in the UK, there is no routine ovarian cancer screening programme for the general population, unlike breast or cervical screening.

However:

Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over
Risk increases significantly after menopause
Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer (especially BRCA gene mutations) may be offered earlier monitoring or genetic testing

**If you have ongoing symptoms at any age, you should not wait; testing can include:**

CA125 blood test
Pelvic ultrasound
Further imaging or referral to gynaecology if needed

Testing is based on symptoms and risk factors, not age alone.

After Menopause: Should Women Still Be Tested?

Yes, absolutely.

In fact, post-menopausal women are at higher risk, and new symptoms after menopause should always be taken seriously.

Any of the following after menopause should prompt urgent medical review:

Persistent bloating
Pelvic pain
Changes in bladder or bowel habits
Unexpected vaginal bleeding

Menopause should never be used as a blanket explanation for new or worsening symptoms.

Should Sexually Active Women Be Tested Regularly?

Being sexually active does not increase ovarian cancer risk and does not determine testing frequency.

Unlike cervical cancer, ovarian cancer cannot be detected by smear tests.

Routine testing is not offered solely based on sexual activity. However:

Women experiencing symptoms should always request an assessment
Those with a family history should discuss preventative monitoring
Anyone with persistent pelvic symptoms should advocate for investigation

Trust your body. If something feels wrong, you are entitled to be heard.

Conclusion: Why Early Detection Matters

When ovarian cancer is caught early, survival rates are significantly higher. Unfortunately, many women delay seeking help because symptoms seem minor or embarrassing.

No symptom is too small if it persists.

You know your body better than anyone else.

When it comes to marketing Zena works remotely which does not put an added strain on her health. She writes articles and posts on an array of subjects, namely health and wellbeing, business,. She also does social media management, content creation and digital marketing, whilst promoting DisabledEntrepreneur.uk and DisabilityUK.co.uk brands.

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