Cancer
Medicines for Ovarian cancer
A cancer of the ovaries whose symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked — so persistent bloating, tummy pain or feeling full should be checked, as earlier diagnosis improves outcomes.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries or nearby tissues. It has a reputation for being hard to detect because its symptoms are often vague and similar to common digestive complaints.
- How it is treated: Treatment usually combines surgery to remove the cancer (which may include the ovaries, womb and affected tissue) and chemotherapy, with the order depending on the individual case.
- Self-care: Being aware of the persistent symptoms and seeking assessment promptly supports earlier diagnosis.
- When to seek help: See a GP if you have persistent (most days for three weeks or more) bloating, feeling full quickly, tummy or pelvic pain, or needing to pass urine more often — especially if these are new for you.
What it is
Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries or nearby tissues. It has a reputation for being hard to detect because its symptoms are often vague and similar to common digestive complaints. Key symptoms to be aware of — especially when persistent (occurring most days for three weeks or more) and new — are bloating that does not come and go, feeling full quickly or loss of appetite, tummy or pelvic pain, and needing to pass urine more often. It is more common after the menopause, and risk is influenced by family history and some inherited gene changes. Because vague symptoms can delay diagnosis, awareness and prompt assessment matter.
How it is treated
Treatment usually combines surgery to remove the cancer (which may include the ovaries, womb and affected tissue) and chemotherapy, with the order depending on the individual case. Newer targeted medicines are increasingly used, particularly for cancers linked to certain gene changes, and testing for these genes guides treatment and family screening. Care is planned by a specialist gynaecological cancer team. Outcomes are better when the cancer is found earlier, which is why persistent symptoms are investigated promptly, usually with examination, a blood test and an ultrasound scan.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Ovarian cancer
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Being aware of the persistent symptoms and seeking assessment promptly supports earlier diagnosis. Those with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer can discuss genetic risk assessment with their GP.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you have persistent (most days for three weeks or more) bloating, feeling full quickly, tummy or pelvic pain, or needing to pass urine more often — especially if these are new for you.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Ovarian cancer: frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Often vague: persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, tummy or pelvic pain, and needing to pass urine more often. When these are new and persistent (most days for three weeks or more), they should be checked.
Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
Some ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene changes (such as BRCA), especially with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Genetic risk assessment can be discussed with a GP.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CG122 — Ovarian cancer
- NHS — Ovarian cancer
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.