"Unlike some other cancers, early-stage ovarian cancer does not have one specific sign or symptom and can cause vague gastrointestinal symptoms that anyone might experience"
- Dr Suba M - Medical Director at Aviva UK Health
On average, around 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK. However, incidence rates are projected to rise, potentially reaching around 9,400 new cases per year by 2040.
Last year, Aviva paid out over £6.4 million in private medical insurance claims related to ovarian cancer - an increase of approximately 53% from 2023. 91% of these claims were made by women over the age of 40. While it’s difficult to directly attribute this increase to one factor, the severity of the cancer, treatment options, and increasing treatment costs are likely contributors.
Knowledge gap
New research from Aviva has revealed that 62% of women felt that they lacked knowledge about ovarian cancer - rising to 73% in women over 55 years when the risk of ovarian cancer increases.
When we asked what condition they are most likely to assume if someone was experiencing symptoms such as a persistent swollen tummy, feeling bloated, pain or tenderness in the stomach or having no appetite/ feeling full, just 12% correctly attributed the symptoms to ovarian cancer.
This compares to 29% of women surveyed who associated the symptoms with irritable bowel syndrome. 15% thought that their symptoms may suggest a stomach bug, with 23% saying that they were unsure.
This lack of knowledge means that many women are waiting a long time before seeking medical help. On average, women would wait around three weeks (18-26 days) before consulting their GP if they experienced symptoms such as a persistent swollen stomach, bloating, or pain and tenderness in the tummy.
If ovarian cancer was suspected, women would typically be offered a pelvic examination and potentially an internal examination initially, followed by blood tests and an ultrasound scan. If necessary, a biopsy may also be performed. Aviva’s research highlighted a lack of awareness of the diagnostic tests that women may be offered if additional investigations are required.
A concerning number of women (43%) thought that a smear test – which is designed to identify cervical cancer – could detect ovarian cancer.
When asked about risk factors, 65% of women knew that a family history of breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer was a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer. 35% were aware of the potential impact of genetic mutations on ovarian cancer risk (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2). 41% associated it with getting older. 13% knew that being diabetic could increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Research suggests there is around a 20% increased risk of developing cancer in those with diabetes compared to those without.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer and awareness levels among the women surveyed:
| Common symptoms according to the NHS | % of women aware of the symptom | % of women who didn't think the symptom could be attributed to ovarian cancer |
| Pain or tenderness in the tummy or pelvis | 63% | 37% |
| No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating | 32% | 68% |
| An urgent need to urinate or urinate more often | 32% | 68% |
| Indigestion | 15% | 85% |
| Constipation or diarrhoea | 21% | 79% |
| Back Pain | 38% | 62% |
| Feeling tired all the time | 47% | 53% |
| Losing weight without trying | 56% | 44% |
| Post menopause bleeding | 59% | 41% |
"Several risk factors are associated with ovarian cancer, including genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, and age," explained Medical Director at Aviva UK Health, Dr Suba M, "While lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of developing cancer, many risk factors for ovarian cancer cannot be prevented,"
“Raising awareness about ovarian cancer is crucial, especially given the projected rise in incidence rates. Unlike some other cancers, early-stage ovarian cancer does not have one specific sign or symptom and can cause vague gastrointestinal symptoms that anyone might experience.
"Women may also experience multiple symptoms at the same time," they said, adding “It’s vital that women know what to look out for and seek medical advice promptly if they have any concerns. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes."
