A hot water bottle should do the trick for my abdominal pain - ovarian cancer symptoms can be mistaken for other things

Thank you for taking part in world ovarian cancer day 2023.
Please remember to keep the symptoms in mind all year round.

Ovarian cancer is the least survivable gynaecological cancer, there is no screening programme for ovarian cancer.

You need to be aware of the symptoms and see your doctor to get a diagnosis.

Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal/pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Increased abdominal size/bloating
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Eating less and feeling fuller
  • Needing to urinate more often or urgently
  • Fatigue

    If you experience any of these symptoms for 2 weeks, you need to visit your doctor to get them checked.

    Our stories

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    Elsa

    Elsa lost her little sister Kristen to ovarian cancer. Read about Kristen's journey and the impact it has had on Elsa.
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    Gilly

    Gilly shares her experience living with low-grade serous carcinoma and the hidden side of living with an invisible disability.

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    Ellie

    Ellie shares how important it is to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and to advocate for yourself by pushing for answers

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    The impact of ovarian cancer

    Every year over 300 000 people hear the words “you have ovarian cancer”. It could be your sister, your daughter, your mother, your partner... It could be you.

    It’s the least survivable gynaecological cancer, but it often misses out on the big campaigns, donations, and research grants. As with any type of cancer, earlier diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference, but our biggest challenge is that research to develop better diagnosis and treatments is severely underfunded.

    We want the next generation of women to know what to look for, and have better treatments and survival if they receive the news that they have ovarian cancer..

    Please share this important information with friends and family, so they also know what to look out for.

    We rely on donations to progress research and find a cure for this devastating disease.