Bloating, discomfort and bowel changes at certain times - scared of ovarian cancer

[fuckeduppp]

My Mum died of ovarian cancer a few months ago and I'm obviously devastated.

Over the last year though my stomach/ abdomen gets so upset at certain times during my cycle, bloating and aching through my pelvis round into my back. It is whenever I ovulate and then again a bit on my period. Whenever it happens, I get so scared in case I have ovarian cancer too, but it does always ease after a few days? So if it was anything sinister there wouldn't be a pattern like this right?

I had a abdominal and transvaginal scan about a year ago because of painful periods. Should I do this on a yearly basis?

Sorry for your loss.

Do you know if your Mum was BRCA positive? She should have had a genetic test as part of her ovarian cancer diagnosis. If she was positive, you can request to be referred to genomic medicine for the same test, at which point you will be better placed to know how to proceed.

I'm sorry about your mum.

I also get these sensations, but it's been consistent through much of my life with periods, changed only by the coil or the pill. I also have IBS which is much worse during my period.

Are you talking about these scans privately? As I'm not sure the NHS would be happy to do this. What is the evidence for a familial link for ovarian cancer?

She was not BRCA positive, no. I had genetic counselling/ testing with a genetic oncologist as apparently there are other genes to look for, but results aren't back yet.

That’s good to hear that you are already with medical genetics. I get symptoms like yours that come and go with my cycle too, so I don’t think they are anything to worry about, although it’s entirely understandable given your history.