Ovarian Cancer
About 1,900 Australians are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. It’s hard to find early because the symptoms are vague and there’s no screening test, so knowing the pattern matters.
Bloating that won’t quit is not a personality trait. If it’s new and every day, it deserves a look.
See your GP soon if any of these are new and happen on most days for more than a few weeks: bloating or a swollen tummy, pain in the tummy or pelvis, feeling full quickly or not wanting to eat, needing to wee more often or urgently. A change in bowel habit, tiredness or weight loss can come with them.
The numbers
- About 1,900 new cases and 1,100 deaths a year in Australia (2025 estimates)
- It’s about a quarter of gynaecological cancers but almost half of gynaecological cancer deaths
- 49% of people are alive 5 years after diagnosis, up from 31% in the late 1980s
- Most are diagnosed after 50, but it can happen at any age
Why it’s hard to catch
- The ovaries sit deep in the pelvis, so small cancers rarely cause symptoms
- Early symptoms look like everyday tummy troubles, so they’re easy to brush off
- There is no screening test: the Pap or cervical screening test doesn’t check the ovaries
- The CA-125 blood test and ultrasound don’t work as screening for the general population, though they help when symptoms are present
Who is at higher risk
- Getting older, especially after menopause
- Inherited gene changes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome
- A strong family history of ovarian, breast or bowel cancer
- Endometriosis (a small increase in risk)
- The pill, pregnancy and breastfeeding all lower the risk
Many ovarian cancers actually start in the fallopian tube. Anatomy loves a plot twist.
Tests and treatment
- Your GP will feel the tummy, may do a pelvic examination and order a CA-125 blood test and a pelvic ultrasound
- A gynaecological oncologist (a specialist surgeon) should lead treatment
- Surgery to remove as much cancer as possible, usually with chemotherapy
- PARP inhibitors help many people with BRCA changes and some others
- Everyone with high-grade ovarian cancer should be offered genetic testing: it guides treatment and helps relatives
If ovarian cancer runs in your family
- Ask your GP about a referral to a family cancer clinic
- People with BRCA changes can lower their risk a lot with surgery to remove the tubes and ovaries, usually once they’ve finished having children
- Removing the fallopian tubes during other planned surgery may lower risk for others: ask your surgeon
Save your money
Popular, heavily marketed or often asked about, but the evidence is weak or says no.
- CA-125 as a yearly check-up testIt misses early cancers and flags lots of harmless things. It’s for people with symptoms or known cancer.
- Talc and ‘natural’ hormone productsDon’t replace seeing a doctor about symptoms.
Common questions
What are the first signs of ovarian cancer?
Often vague: bloating, a swollen tummy, pelvic or tummy pain, feeling full quickly and needing to wee more often. The clue is that they’re new and happen most days for weeks.
Does a cervical screening test check for ovarian cancer?
No. It only checks the cervix for HPV. There is no screening test for ovarian cancer, so report persistent symptoms.
Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
Some is. Up to about 1 in 5 is linked to inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. A strong family history is worth discussing with your GP.
Helpful resources
- Cancer Council 13 11 20Information and support line for anyone affected by cancer. Free.
- Ovarian Cancer AustraliaSupport, nurses and information. Free.
Evidence and more information
- Cancer Australia: Ovarian cancer statistics
- AIHW: Cancer data in Australia
- Cancer Council: Ovarian cancer
maladywise.com/ovarian-cancer/