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Ovarian cancer Q&AsPublished by Bupa's health information team, September 2008. Answers to questions about ovarian cancerThis section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
I've heard that using talcum powder causes ovarian cancer, is this true?Research has been carried out into the link between using talcum powder on your genital area and ovarian cancer. So far, the results have been inconclusive. However, most doctors believe it's unlikely that talcum powder is a direct cause of ovarian cancer. ExplanationIt was thought that using talcum powder on your genitals could cause ovarian cancer. The theory was that the talc may be able to travel up your vagina through your cervix to your womb. From your womb it could make its way down your fallopian tubes into your ovaries. This could potentially cause your ovaries to become irritated and inflamed, which may lead to cancerous changes in the cells. Several studies have been carried out to look at this link. Some did find that women who used talcum powder on their genitals were at a slightly higher risk than those who didn't. However, the studies themselves and the results were not felt to be reliable and the slight increase was most likely due to a statistical anomaly. It's generally felt that it's unlikely that there is a link between using talcum powder on your genitals and ovarian cancer, although further research is needed to get a decisive answer. If you have any concerns about ovarian cancer and talcum powder, talk to your GP. Further information
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 Why are women who take the contraceptive pill or have children less likely to develop ovarian cancer?Women who take the contraceptive pill or have children are at a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than those who don't. This is thought to be related to the fact that in both cases the ovaries stop producing eggs for a certain period of time. ExplanationWhen you take the contraceptive pill or you are pregnant your body stops ovulating. This means that your ovaries stop producing eggs. It's thought that ovarian cancer is related to the number of times you ovulate in your life. So the fewer ovulation cycles you have, the lower your risk of ovarian cancer. Research has shown that taking the contraceptive pill at some point in your life reduces your chances of getting ovarian cancer by up to 60 percent. And the longer you take it for the lower your risk becomes, especially if you have taken it for five years or more. Once you stop taking the pill, this protective effect doesn't end, it carries on protecting you from ovarian cancer for at least 20 years. If you have children, you are 40 percent less likely to have ovarian cancer, and the more children you have the lower your risk is. This level of protection is also related to when you gave birth to your last child, for example if you have your last child after the age of 35 you are more protected than if you have your last child before the age of 25. All pregnancies can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer even if they don't go to full term (ie if you have a miscarriage or an abortion). If you have any concerns about ovarian cancer, talk to your GP. Further information
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Are there any ovarian cancer screening programmes I can attend?There are currently no national screening programmes in the UK for ovarian cancer. This is because the effectiveness of such a programme has not yet been proven. However, if you are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer you can be referred to local genetics services (also known as a family cancer clinic) for screening.
ExplanationIn deciding whether or not to introduce a cancer screening programme into the UK, one of the questions that has to be asked is whether or not there are tests that are effective enough to detect and save the lives of people with early cancer cells. For ovarian cancer, this is currently being looked into using a large-scale trial called the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). The trial is following the progress of 200,000 women over six years. The aim is to find out if a routine blood test and ultrasound scan can detect and save the lives of women with early ovarian cancer. The trial will also look at the costs of these screening methods, the effect of being screened (ie a person's fears and anxieties about the screening process) and any complication that might arise from screening. This will help decide whether or not a national screening programme should be made available throughout the UK. The results of the trial are expected in 2012. For women who have a known high risk of developing ovarian cancer, screening programmes do already exist especially for them. You are considered to be at high risk if you have two relatives from the same side of your family that were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or breast cancer at a young age. Your GP will be able to refer you to a local genetics service or a family cancer clinic where your risk will be assessed. They will talk you through your options, including the risks and benefits of screening. If you have any concerns about ovarian cancer or screening, talk to your GP. Further information
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I've heard ovarian cancer referred to as the 'silent killer', why is it called this?Ovarian cancer is sometimes called the 'silent killer' because in its early stages there are often no symptoms. This can mean that some women don't know they have it until the cancer has spread.
ExplanationIn early stage ovarian cancer there are frequently no symptoms. If there are any symptoms, they are often vague and can easily be mistaken for other less serious conditions. The most commonly described symptoms are pain and a bloated feeling in your lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include:
Symptoms often don't develop until the cancer has spread to your other ovary or other parts of your pelvic area. In 80 percent of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, this has already happened. This is why it's often referred to as the 'silent killer' as many women don't start to experience symptoms until the cancer has spread. These symptoms can be caused by many conditions, not just ovarian cancer. But if you have any of them or any concerns about ovarian cancer, it's important to see your GP as quickly as possible. Further information
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Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: September 2008
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