Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: March 2026.

As March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to highlight some of the key information surrounding this type of cancer, as it is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. Recognised annually in March, the aim is to focus on raising awareness of symptoms and to encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Ovarian cancer can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes and peritoneum (the lining of your abdominal cavity). Although, it mainly affects those who are above the age of 50, anyone with reproductive organs, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes, can develop ovarian cancer. Annually over 7,000 people are affected.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
• pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between your hips (pelvic pain)
• no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
• an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
• indigestion
• constipation or diarrhoea
• back pain
• feeling tired all the time
• losing weight without trying
• unusual bleeding from the vagina, including between periods, heavier periods or after the menopause

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are very common, and sometimes not always obvious. For this reason, it is often misdiagnosed, or diagnosed late.

If you display any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by a GP. Equally, if your symptoms get worse or are more frequent, make sure you visit your GP and highlight your concerns.

The earlier the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the more treatable it is.

Testing for and treating ovarian cancer

Blood tests and ultrasound scans can often indicate the presence of ovarian cancer. Further procedures may be performed to confirm diagnosis, including:

• CT scan
• removing a sample of cells or fluids from your ovaries (a needle biopsy)
• looking at your ovaries by using a small camera called a laproscopy
• surgery to remove some tissue or your ovaries (laparotomy)

The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments can include targeted medicines, radiotherapy and hormone treatments.

Clinical negligence and ovarian cancer

Unfortunately, instances occur where there is a delay in diagnosing ovarian cancer, or where there is a misdiagnosis. This can cause harm to patients due to a delay in providing the appropriate care and treatment.

If you have experienced a delay in diagnosing ovarian cancer, which has impacted your life, it is important that you seek legal advice. Although it may be daunting, here at Lanyon Bowdler our specialist Clinical Negligence Team have the knowledge and experience to support you through your compensation claim, ensuring you get the best possible outcome. If you wish to consider bringing a claim please do get in touch via the below link or by telephone: 0800 652 3371.