Makala Francis has hailed mum Rona Passmore as a survivor, ten years on from Rona’s recovery from ovarian cancer.
Getting checked for ovarian cancer
Your doctor will listen carefully to what you’ve noticed and ask some questions about your symptoms. Depending on what you tell them they may be able to reassure you straight away or they may want to do some more checks. They might:
- Arrange a blood test, called a CA125 test, that can detect early signs of ovarian cancer.
- Examine you internally to see if your womb and ovaries feel normal.
- Refer you to hospital for tests or to see a specialist.
If you’d feel more comfortable with a female nurse or GP, be sure to mention this when you make your appointment.
FACTS
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1 in 59 women in Scotland will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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66% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 60 and over, 90% are over 45.
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Between 5 to 15% of ovarian cancers* are caused by an inherited gene.
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If your mother or sister had ovarian cancer you’re around 3 times more at risk. *Source: CRUK