Ovarian cancer and health insurance

It can be difficult to notice the symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer. You should speak to your doctor if you think you have any of the following common symptoms that are unusual for you ^{Footnote [2]}:

• Feeling full quickly or losing your appetite
• Abdominal bloating
• Weeing more often than usual
• Recurrent pain in your tummy that won’t go away.

Other less common symptoms that you should also be aware of:

• Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
• Indigestion
• Change in bowel habits, especially if you're over 50
• Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding 
• Unexplained back pain 

Remember, these symptoms can be caused by many things, not just cancer. Your doctor is there to find the diagnosis and treat appropriately.

Initially, your doctor will conduct a physical examination of your tummy (abdomen) to feel for anything unusual, and they may also do an internal vaginal examination.

Based on your examination, they’ll then decide whether to book you in for a blood test and if this is abnormal, they'll organise an ultrasound scan of your abdomen and pelvis. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor may refer you to a specialist for more tests, including:

• A laparoscopy. This is minor operation where through a few small cuts in your tummy a camera is placed inside and another instrument to look at your ovary and perform a biopsy if needed ^{Footnote [3]}. 
• A CT scan ^{Footnote [4]}  
• An image guided needle biopsy using a CT or ultrasound scan to guide the doctor to the right place to remove a small sample of tissue from the abnormal area. ^{Footnote [5]}

Sometimes, ovarian cancer can cause fluid (ascites) to build up in your tummy, which can be uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to drain it for you to make you more comfortable. They’ll also test this fluid for cancer.

These tests might sound scary, but if you have any concerns, speak to your doctor. If you have ovarian cancer, it’s important to detect and treat it as soon as possible.

If you have ovarian cancer, you’ll be treated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialist doctors and other healthcare professionals. They’re here to support you and make sure you receive the most appropriate treatment for you.

Recommended treatment options will depend upon the type of ovarian cancer you have, how aggressive it is, whether it has spread to other organs, and your general health. Treatment may include ^{Footnote [6]}:

• Cytoreductive surgery to remove the cancer. This may include removing your ovaries, womb, and fallopian tubes.
• Chemotherapy, which is medicine that aims to destroy cancer cells by damaging the way they grow and divide.
• Radiotherapy, which is a treatment for cancer using high doses of radiation. 
• Targeted cancer drugs that can help to prevent the cancer growing or help your body to fight it. This treatment can’t cure the cancer, but it can slow down the growth of the cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy is rarely used but it works by blocking the production of oestrogen to stop cancers from growing.

You’ll have regular check-ups every few months after your treatment to monitor for any side effects or complications. If you’re worried at any point, don’t wait for your next check-up. Instead, contact your doctor as soon as possible. They’re there to help you.

There are different types of ovarian cancer, including: ^{Footnote [7]}  

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancers are the most common type and start in the cells the cover the ovaries.

Fallopian tube cancer

Fallopian tube cancer is a type of epithelial ovarian cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes.

Primary peritoneal cancer

Primary peritoneal cancer is a rare type of epithelial ovarian cancer that starts in the layer of tissue lining the inside of the stomach.

Germ cell ovarian tumours

Germ cell ovarian tumours begin in the ovarian cells that develop into eggs and can be non-cancerous or cancerous.

Sex cord stromal tumours

Sex cord stromal tumours are a rare ovarian tumour which start in the sex cords or the stroma. It can be cancerous or non cancerous.

Borderline ovarian tumours

Borderline ovarian tumours are abnormal cells that form in the tissue covering the ovary. They aren’t cancer and are usually cured with surgery.

Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer and it’s still possible to get it if you’ve had your ovaries removed. The chance of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older and most cases in the UK are in women over 50. While the direct cause is unknown, you’re more likely to get it if you: ^{Footnote [8]}

• inherited a faulty gene, like the BRCA genes
• previously had breast or bowel cancer
• have had radiotherapy treatment for another cancer
• have endometriosis or diabetes
• your periods started early, you went through menopause over the age of 55 or haven’t had a baby
• never used hormonal contraception
• you’re taking hormone replacement therapy
• you’re overweight
• you smoke

However, there are some things associated with a lower chance of getting ovarian cancer. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. These include: ^{Footnote [9]}   

• A higher number of pregnancies
• Breastfeeding
• Using the combined oral contraceptive pill
• Tubal ligation and hysterectomy.

You could claim for treatment for ovarian cancer using your health insurance cover. First get a specialist referral from your GP or via the Aviva Digital GP app^. Then you can make a claim through MyAviva, online or call us.

If we confirm your claim is eligible, we’ll pay for the treatment directly subject to policy terms and conditions. Just be sure to tell us if you need more tests or treatment, or if your hospital or specialist changes.

It’s good to have one less thing to worry about. It takes Aviva.

^ This service is non-contractual and can be withdrawn or amended by Aviva at any time.