NHS Factsheet

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Ovarian cancer

Read more about ovarian cancer, including symptoms, treatments and causes.

18 May 2022

Introduction

  • Ovarian cancer affects the 2 small organs (ovaries) that store the eggs needed to make babies.
  • Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer, but it mostly affects those over 50.
  • Sometimes ovarian cancer runs in families.
  • The symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, are not always obvious.
  • Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, but early diagnosis can mean it is more treatable.

Get your symptoms checked

It's important to get any symptoms of ovarian cancer ↗ checked as soon as possible. Finding it early can mean it's more treatable.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice

Get advice about COVID-19 and ovarian cancer:

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