Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Ovarian cancer Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.

Answers to questions about ovarian cancer

This 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?

Most doctors believe it's unlikely that talcum powder is a direct cause of ovarian cancer.

Explanation

There is a theory that talc may be able to travel up your vagina through your cervix to your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This could potentially cause your ovaries to become irritated and inflamed, which may lead to cancerous changes in the cells.

Some studies found 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 a chance result. Further research is needed to get a decisive answer.

Further information

Sources

back to top

Why are women who take the contraceptive pill or have children less likely to develop ovarian cancer?

Doctors believe 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.

Explanation

Research has shown that taking the contraceptive pill at some point in your life reduces your chances of getting ovarian cancer. 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 contraceptive pill, it carries on protecting you from ovarian cancer for at least 20 years.

If you have children, you're less likely to develop ovarian cancer, and the more children you have the lower your risk. Some research suggests that this is also related to the birth of your last child, for example if you have your last child after the age of 35, you're more protected than if you have your last child before the age of 25. Miscarriages and abortions can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

Further information

Sources

back to top

Are there any ovarian cancer screening programmes I can attend?

No, there isn't a national ovarian cancer screening programme because tests to spot early ovarian cancer cells aren't effective enough yet. But you can be referred to local genetics services (also known as a family cancer clinic) for screening if you're at high risk.

Explanation

Research is being carried out in a 10-year study called the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) to find reliable tests that may lead to a screening programme.

Some 200,000 women are taking part in the trial to see if routine blood tests and ultrasound scans can detect early ovarian cancer. The initial results are encouraging. Nearly half the cancers were picked up at an early stage compared with only a quarter being detected at this stage at the moment. Final results from the study are expected in 2014.

If you have two relatives from the same side of your family who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or breast cancer under the age of 40, you may be considered high-risk. Your GP will refer you to a local genetics service where your risk will be assessed.

Further information

Sources

  • UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening. www.ukctocs.org.uk, accessed 17 March 2009
back to top

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.

Explanation

In 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 such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most commonly described symptoms are pain and a bloated feeling in your stomach.

Other symptoms include:

  • loss of appetite
  • unexplained weight gain
  • swelling in your stomach
  • pain during sex
  • changes in your bowel or bladder habits - constipation, excess wind, diarrhoea or needing to pass urine more often
  • rarely, abnormal vaginal bleeding

All these symptoms may have less serious causes, but it's best to see your GP for advice if you have developed new symptoms or have any concerns.

Further information

Sources

  • Ovarian cancer. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerresearchuk.org, accessed 17 March 2009
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007
back to top

Related topics

back to top

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: July 2009

Ovarian cancer factsheet

 

Rate this page

Up to £100 off a Bupa Health assessment

Bupa health insurance

Free online health check

Bupa Care Homes

Bupa travel cover