Dr Susanna Unsworth (Image: Natalie Sloan Photography)
Each year, approximately 7,400 women receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer amongst women, according to Cancer Research UK.
Ovarian cancer is more widespread in older women over the age of 50, though the disease can affect anyone.
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it, including smoking and medical conditions such as endometriosis and diabetes.
Experts warn that the greatest challenge with this particular cancer is that currently more than 75 per cent of cases are identified at a later stage, by which point the cancer has already spread into the abdomen or beyond.
While treatments have improved considerably, a later diagnosis does mean that survival rates are significantly lower, reports the Mirror.
According to gynaecologist Dr Susanna Unsworth, one of the principal reasons for late diagnosis is that ovarian cancer frequently fails to produce noticeable symptoms until it has already become quite advanced.
Millions of women are missing out on essential life-saving smear tests (Image: Getty Images)
However, she highlights several subtle warning signs that could potentially indicate ovarian cancer in its early stages, and is urging women to remain vigilant.
“I would encourage booking a review with your GP if you are experiencing them,” she told The Mirror.
“Many of the symptoms are subtle and do not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But it is worth having them checked out to hopefully exclude any underlying problem.”
The doctor states the “key symptom” to look out for are bloating, pain, urinary symptoms and a lump or swelling. She proceeded to explain precisely what to watch out for with each of these warning signs.
Concerning bloating, this encompasses “new onset bloating, bloating that does not settle within two to weeks, bloating that is happening frequently without an obvious trigger, and bloating that is not resolving with the usual treatments/dietary changes”.
You should also remain alert to “a new pain in the pelvis, back or lower abdomen that does not quickly settle”, according to the expert.
The outlook is better if it is caught early (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Moreover, if you notice you are passing “urine more frequently or developed the need to get up during the night to pass urine”, this could act as a warning sign.
Beyond this, you may suffer a loss of appetite or feel full shortly after eating.
Should you detect any lump or swelling in the lower abdomen or pelvis, Dr Unsworth strongly recommends visiting your GP immediately, although she acknowledges this would be an “unusual” early indicator.
Further symptoms to remain vigilant about include persistent indigestion, a change in bowel habit (either constipation or diarrhoea), unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
She explains what to expect should you consult a GP about any of these concerns, saying: “These symptoms can often be quite subtle, and many are associated with other common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
“The key thing is if the symptoms are new to you, are different to your usual symptoms, or do not respond to your usual treatments, then it makes sense to get them checked out.
“When you see your GP, discuss the symptoms you are experiencing. I would also suggest telling your GP that you are concerned about ovarian cancer.
“As a doctor, it is much easier for me, if I also know what you are worried about – that way I can assess the problem fully for you, making sure whatever is done has helped answer the questions you had.
“After discussing the symptoms, your GP will likely want to do an examination. This will include an examination of your tummy, and may also include an internal vaginal examination as this is the best way to see if there are any swellings around the ovaries.
“In early ovarian cancer, often the examination will actually be normal, as there may not yet be anything to feel. Therefore, your GP will likely arrange other tests for you such as a pelvic ultrasound or Ca125 blood test looking for a protein known as a tumour marker.”
She has urged woman who are concerned to talk to their GP (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Dr Unsworth adds: “Your GP may also want to arrange other tests as the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be fairly vague and can overlap with other conditions.
“This might include other blood tests to look for inflammation or potential causes of tiredness, or may also include tests of your poo to look for any bowel problems.
“If any of these tests raise any level of concern, your GP will refer you to see a gynaecology specialist to arrange further assessment.
“If the tests are normal, the likelihood of ovarian cancer is extremely low and other options to manage the symptoms can be recommended.”
Dr Unsworth is an NHS Community Gynaecology and Menopause Specialist, and also the Founder of Cambridge Women’s Health Menopause Clinic and menopause supplement Meno8.