Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to raise awareness about a disease that is often referred to as the “silent killer.”

At Phoenix Legal Solicitors, we regularly support individuals and families affected by delayed or missed diagnoses of ovarian cancer.

Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Yet too many women are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. It primarily affects women over 50, but it can occur at any age.

According to Ovarian Cancer Action, ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers in the UK. Survival rates are significantly higher when the condition is diagnosed early, yet many cases are detected at a later stage.

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Unlike some other cancers, ovarian cancer does not usually present with obvious early warning signs. However, there are key symptoms to watch for, particularly if they are persistent and represent a change from normal:

• Persistent bloating (not just occasional discomfort)
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Increased urinary urgency or frequency
• Changes in bowel habits (such as constipation)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Because these symptoms can resemble conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections, or menopause-related changes, they are sometimes dismissed or misattributed, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.

Why Does Delayed Diagnosis Happen?

In our clinical negligence work, we frequently see patterns that contribute to delayed diagnosis. These may include:

1. Failure to Recognise or Investigate Symptoms

GPs and healthcare professionals should follow appropriate guidelines when a patient presents with persistent symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer. This may include ordering a CA-125 blood test or arranging an urgent ultrasound scan.

Delays can occur where:

• Symptoms are repeatedly attributed to benign causes without further investigation
• No follow-up is arranged despite ongoing complaints
• Referral to a specialist is not made within the appropriate timeframe

2. Misinterpretation of Test Results

Even when tests are performed, errors can arise, for example:

• Abnormal CA-125 results not being acted upon
• Ultrasound findings being misinterpreted
• Inadequate communication of results to the patient

3. Assumptions About Age or Risk

Although more common in post-menopausal women, ovarian cancer can also affect younger women. Incorrect assumptions about a patient’s age, family history, or risk profile may lead to a lack of urgency in investigation.

The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis

Early-stage ovarian cancer is often treatable with surgery and chemotherapy, with significantly improved survival rates. However, if diagnosis is delayed and the cancer progresses to a later stage, treatment options may become more limited and invasive.

Delayed diagnosis can result in:

• More aggressive treatment
• Reduced life expectancy
• Psychological trauma
• Financial hardship
• Loss of opportunity for less invasive intervention

Where earlier diagnosis would likely have led to a better outcome, there may be grounds for a clinical negligence claim.

When Does a Delayed Diagnosis Amount to Clinical Negligence?

Not every delayed diagnosis is negligent. To bring a successful claim, it must be shown that:

• The care provided fell below a reasonable standard; and
• The delay caused avoidable harm or materially worsened the outcome.

At Phoenix Legal Solicitors, we work closely with independent medical experts to assess whether an earlier diagnosis would have made a meaningful difference.

Seeking Advice and Support

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is about empowerment through knowledge.

If you or a loved one experienced repeated GP visits, dismissed symptoms, or significant delays before diagnosis, it may be appropriate to seek legal advice.

Our specialist clinical negligence team offers:

• Sensitive, confidential consultations
• Clear advice on the merits of a claim
• Support throughout what can be an emotional process

If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please contact Phoenix Legal Solicitors today.

0151 306 3694 Online enquiry