• Topic
• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Ideas about causes >> Ideas about causes

Ideas about causes

• Clip
• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV33 >> Thinks that stress may have triggered her cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 following shoulder pain, abdominal bloating, cough, and pain on eating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV32 >> Wonders if HRT might have caused her ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1994 following tiredness, pain, nausea and vomiting. Treated with bowel surgery then chemotherapy. Recurrence treated by chemotherapy prior to surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Second recurrence treated by more chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV18 >> Wonders if her cancer might have been triggered by a severe bout of food poisoning.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following investigations for infertility. Treated by surgical removal of affected ovary followed by chemotherapy. Diagnosis revised as 'borderline' and further treatment aborted in preference for regular monitoring.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV25 >> She thought she should have been at low risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following breathlessness and abdominal bloating. Treated with chemotherapy then surgical removal of ovaries and womb and more chemotherapy. Subsequent lumps in armpit, leg and groin treated with further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV31 >> Wonders about infertility treatment as a possible cause of her ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 in the course of infertility treatment. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV08 >> She discussed a genetic cause with her family and decided against being tested for a faulty gene.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 as a result of an abnormal cervical smear test. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV38 >> Her sister was screened and pre-cancerous breast disease was found, prompting other relatives to get screened.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV02 >> Felt guilty that her daughters now have to be screened for ovarian cancer as well as colorectal cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal bloating, altered bowel habits, weight loss and vaginal bleeding. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV28 >> Some of her children were tested for the faulty genes and she feels this benefits the family.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following indigestion and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries (previously hysterectomised) then chemotherapy. Further surgery to repair a hernia followed by more chemotherapy for recurrences.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV05 >> Being offered an operation to remove her breasts to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer upset her.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 after finding a lump in her abdomen, accompanied by vague abdominal symptoms. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV32 >> Talks about her family history and her concerns about being tested for a faulty gene.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1994 following tiredness, pain, nausea and vomiting. Treated with bowel surgery then chemotherapy. Recurrence treated by chemotherapy prior to surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Second recurrence treated by more chemotherapy.

• Condition
• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer

Publication date: December 2004   

Last updated: January 2010

Review date: under review

 

Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovary) is one of the most common cancers in women. We interviewed 48 women about their experiences of this condition. Select from the key topics below, choose from the full list of topics, or explore all the interviews.