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AIBU?

How likely that I have ovarian cancer aged 32?

18 replies

Canceltyping · 25/11/2021 09:51

I’m getting myself in an anxious state. I have history of health anxiety, but I feel like this is real…

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been having indigestion symptoms: including bloating, even in the morning…very gassy, struggling to eat as much as I normally do, burping a lot, needing to urinate mire often, an urge regularly.
Having a mix of loose and constipated bowel movements.
I’ve had ovulation pains a long time, every time I ovulate I get really bad pain…my period pains are horrendous too and the build up to them is horrible. I get pain about 10 days prior.
I’ve had lower back pain for over a month, I put it down to an old mattress (I do need a new bed) and bad posture, but now linking all these things together , I suddenly realised ovarian cancer was a possibility…

I called my GP (absolute nightmare to get an appointment) and when I spoke to him he said it sounded like IBS. I told him about my fears and he said there was more chance of me walking out and being hit by a car because of my age and the fact I have no family history of female or male cancers.

Do I need to push for a scan?
I have a 3 year old son and I’m crying as I don’t want to leave him motherless Sad

OP posts:
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Am I being unreasonable?

41 votes. Final results.

POLL
You are being unreasonable
68%
You are NOT being unreasonable
32%
Canceltyping · 25/11/2021 09:52

I have pelvic pain too and twinges in the area where I’m sure my ovaries are..

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EgonSpengler2020 · 25/11/2021 09:56

Both you and your GP are being unreasonable.
There is a whole list of differential diagnoses for women of childbearing age with your symptoms fair more likely than ovarian cancer. However IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion and you GP is wrong to dismiss your so readily.

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TheCheesyBakedBeanGetsGlam · 25/11/2021 09:58

This sounds like my endometriosis symptoms. Like you I had freaked myself out a bit that I might die (I even took out a life insurance policy and wrote my will whilst waiting for the gynaecologist referral to go through). Turns out it's endometriosis, which is a horrible diagnosis don't get me wrong but not deadly. You probably are more likely to get hit by a car than have ovarian cancer, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be screened. And dismissing all these symptoms as IBS is not Ok either, you should have the appropriate screening tests. Back pain is often kidneys, are you prone to UTI's? I would be asking for kidney function test as a minimum.

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adreamofspring · 25/11/2021 10:19

Slightly unreasonable GP.
I suspect there’s nothing to worry about and is just your health anxiety and some nasty pre menstrual symptoms but maybe ask for a CA125 blood test instead of a scan? I had one privately so not sure how willing they are to offer up on NHS but I pursued it quickly as my mum had ovarian cancer so was worried by similar symptoms you mention but was nothing.

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Porcupineintherough · 25/11/2021 10:22

@EgonSpengler2020 has it. Very unlikely for it to be ovarian cancer but equally IBS is where you end up when all the other possibilities have been excluded. So please stop panicking but dont stop pushing for further investigation.

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loulou2012 · 25/11/2021 13:39

Please request a ca 125 blood test as this can help with diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and it should be quite quick and will help reassure you.

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scarpa · 25/11/2021 14:42

Agreed with others. It's very unlikely to be ovarian cancer BUT your doctor shouldn't be dismissing you. Tell them that under the NICE guidelines you should be referred for testing with those symptoms (again, it's very unlikely that this is the problem but they have a duty to take tests with these symptoms).

Try not to worry, though (easier said than done, I know!). These can all be symptoms of lots of things, and you're more than likely fine or have something easily treatable.

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MusingOnStarlight · 25/11/2021 15:25

I’m really surprised they’ve not offered a CA125 blood test as this is the first port of call. Mine was elevated and I got put on the 2 week cancer pathway.

It took me about 4 weeks from that blood test to be diagnosed after numerous tests that did happen within those 2 weeks (JUST).

Good luck

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Suzanne999 · 25/11/2021 15:37

Statistically it’s unlikely for you to have ovarian cancer but your GP should not just shrug it off as IBS. I was told this for years—- it wasn’t though it was nothing serious.
Can you try to see a dr via a well woman clinic ?
There are a few things you can try to see if it’s IBS. Cut out all gluten for a month. You’ll have to eat the plainest diet imaginable & it’s boring) Steamed and raw veg, rice and a source of protein—- I’d suggest chicken and white fish, eggs if you’re veggie. Some people find dairy triggers IBS so if you can go without dairy for a month that might help.
If your symptoms are the same after 4 weeks then it’s probably not dietary causing IBS. If your symptoms have abated re-introduce one food group at a time for a week and see what triggers.
If there is any family history of cancer then I think that is another reason to take to the dr for a scan. Only this will really out your mind at rest so I hope there’s a way to get it.

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NotRainingToday · 25/11/2021 15:38

I would have expected them to test for markers of inflammation, and if it comes back positive, to start to pick apart whether it's ovaries, intestines, endometriosis etc.
I think ovarian cancer is very rare at 32 and IBS/endo far more probable, but good to get it checked out. All pain is bad pain.

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GrolliffetheDragon · 25/11/2021 15:39

I'm sorry you're having a stressful time and I get you - I did have a tumour on my ovary, luckily benign, and I've also since been diagnosed with IBS and have developed health anxiety.

My GP seems to send me off for an ultrasound at the drop of a hat, it may be worth asking alongside requesting the CA125 blood test? It could be an ovarian cyst or similar.

Perhaps try and see a different GP if you can? One of the GP's at my surgery has a special interest in gynae things and I always try and see her for anything to do with that area.

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cupatay · 25/11/2021 15:47

I was in a similar situation, with the GP unbothered and very anxious by various symptoms, so paid for a private ultrasound of pelvis, think it was about £130. They mainly do baby scans, but also wellwoman healthcare checks. Got to see everything on the big screen (hahah) and came up with some small-ish endometriosis/chocolate cysts. They have then referred it back to my GP with the results to see if they want to follow-up. It's not the perfect answer, but may help give you some peace of mind if you're really anxious and GP refusing to do anything at all (if they are concerned, they should give you a CA125 blood test).

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abenbaked · 26/11/2021 20:26

I have very similar symptoms and have also fallen down an absolute black hole of Googling and worrying. I have a 6 month old baby and the thought of anything happening to me is horrendous. I never used to worry atall. I think having a baby has made me really anxious and fear the worst. It's crippling sometimes. I'm probably going to speak to my GP and organise an ultrasound privately. Will also seek some support for the anxiety. Although I know I'm not imagining the pains, I think the nausea is caused by worrying.

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imnotacelebritygetmeoutofhere · 26/11/2021 20:32

I also wanted to say your symptoms sound very similar to my endometriosis. Your GP is correct about the likelihood of ovarian cancer but perhaps hasn't handled you well when taking into account your health anxiety. You are completely entitled to ask to see a different doctor for a second opinion and/or ask for further investigation of your symptoms.

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inininsomnia · 26/11/2021 20:38

As others have said, do make sure you're properly checked out. I agree with not settling for a diagnosis of IBS and I'd also recommend having a blood test for coeliac disease. Please don't do as a PP suggested and cut out gluten before testing, as you need it in your diet for a coeliac test to be reliable.

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WeirdArchitecture · 26/11/2021 20:41

gotta say i have horrendous IBS and have these symptoms, but am 47.

it should not be ignored by gp though, of course. Just want to add a point of reference because omg my symptoms are insane when they flare up. It often feels as if my ovaries are being twisted out like a doorknob. Like an alligator clamped down on my pelvis.
For me it is constipation, and expelling gas helps, but not always :(

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ppeony · 27/11/2021 00:08

This could definitely be endometriosis. Very similar symptoms to me, and I have it on my bowel. Definitely something to press your GP about (and you really do have to press unfortunately). All best wishes.

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Maray1967 · 27/11/2021 07:29

My mother died of ovarian cancer in her forties. No previous family history of it, and yes, it is rare, but I would get a CA125 blood test done for reassurance.

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