Ovarian Cancer What You Need to Know
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped over 800,000 UK customers find the right protection, WeCovr understands that a potential cancer diagnosis is a deeply worrying time. This guide explores ovarian cancer, its treatment, and how private medical insurance can provide crucial support when you need it most.
Learn about ovarian cancer, available treatments, and how PMI can support faster care
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because its early symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for more common, less serious conditions. However, with greater awareness and access to rapid diagnostics, the outlook is improving.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from recognising the signs to understanding the advanced treatments available. We will also explain the vital role that private medical insurance (PMI) can play in securing a faster diagnosis and a wider choice of care, giving you invaluable peace of mind.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer: The Key Facts
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the two small organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs. While it's the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK, awareness of its specific symptoms remains worryingly low.
According to the latest data from Cancer Research UK, there are around 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK every year. That's equivalent to 21 new cases every single day. It predominantly affects women over the age of 50, but it can occur at any age.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
The term "ovarian cancer" actually covers several different types of cancer, categorised by the type of cell where they originate.
- Epithelial Tumours: This is the most common type, accounting for around 90% of all cases. They start in the cells on the outer surface of the ovary.
- Germ Cell Tumours: These are much rarer and tend to develop in younger women and teenagers. They start in the egg-producing cells within the ovary.
- Stromal Tumours: A rare type of tumour that grows in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones.
Knowing the type of cancer is crucial as it dictates the most effective treatment path.
Key Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
While the exact cause is unknown, several factors can increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer:
- Age: The risk increases significantly after the age of 50.
- Genetics: Around 15-20% of ovarian cancers are caused by inherited faulty genes, most commonly BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Family History: Having a close relative (mother, sister) with ovarian or breast cancer.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): There is a small increased risk associated with using HRT.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere.
- Being Overweight: A higher BMI is linked to a slightly increased risk.
It's important to remember that having a risk factor doesn't mean you will get ovarian cancer. Many women with no known risk factors are diagnosed, which is why symptom awareness is so vital for everyone.
Recognising the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and are often confused with digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The key is to notice if the symptoms are new, frequent (occurring most days), and persistent.
The main symptoms can be remembered with the acronym BEAT:
- Bloating that is persistent and doesn't come and go
- Eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly
- Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
- Toilet changes, either needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual
Other symptoms might include:
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
- Unexplained weight loss
- A change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
If you experience any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, it is essential to book an appointment with your GP. Don't dismiss them as "just a part of getting older" or "women's troubles." Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes.
The Diagnostic Journey: NHS vs. Private Care
When you visit your GP with potential symptoms, a clear pathway of tests should follow. However, the speed of this journey can differ significantly between the NHS and a private route accessed via health insurance.
The NHS Pathway
- GP Appointment: Your GP will ask about your symptoms and family history. They may carry out a physical examination.
- Blood Test: If they suspect ovarian cancer, they will arrange a CA125 blood test. CA125 is a protein that can be elevated in the blood of women with ovarian cancer.
- Ultrasound Scan: If your CA125 level is raised (or if you are over 50 with symptoms of IBS), NHS guidelines recommend an ultrasound scan of your abdomen and pelvis.
- Referral to a Specialist: If the scan shows any abnormalities, you will be referred to a gynaecologist under the "two-week wait" pathway for suspected cancer.
- Further Tests: The specialist will likely arrange more detailed scans, such as a CT or MRI scan, and a biopsy to get a definitive diagnosis.
While the NHS has clear targets, pressure on services means waiting times can be stressful. According to recent NHS England data, the target for patients to receive a diagnosis or have cancer ruled out within 28 days of an urgent GP referral is often missed.
The Private Pathway with PMI
Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, offering a faster route to diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
| Stage of Diagnosis | Typical NHS Experience | Typical Private Experience with PMI |
|---|---|---|
| GP Appointment | Waiting for a routine appointment can take days or weeks. | Access to a digital GP service, often for a same-day or next-day appointment. |
| Specialist Referral | Referral to a gynaecologist can take weeks, even on an urgent pathway. | Direct and fast referral to a consultant of your choice from an extensive list. |
| Diagnostic Tests | Waiting lists for ultrasound and CT/MRI scans can lead to delays. | Scans and tests are often arranged within a few days at a private hospital or clinic. |
| Receiving Results | Waiting for biopsy results can add further anxious delays. | Results are often processed and delivered more quickly by your private consultant. |
The primary benefit of private medical insurance UK at the diagnostic stage is speed. By bypassing waiting lists, you can reduce the "scanxiety" and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan in place far more quickly.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options in the UK
Treatment for ovarian cancer is highly specialised and usually involves a combination of therapies. Your plan will be managed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including surgeons, oncologists, and specialist nurses.
1. Surgery
Surgery is the main treatment for most ovarian cancers. The primary goals are:
- Staging: To accurately determine how far the cancer has spread.
- Debulking (Cytoreduction): To remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. The more cancer that can be removed, the better the outcome.
The surgery typically involves a total hysterectomy (removal of the womb), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes), and removal of the omentum (a layer of fatty tissue in the abdomen).
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells. It can also be used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumours, making them easier to remove. The standard chemotherapy combination for ovarian cancer is carboplatin and paclitaxel.
3. Targeted Therapy
This is one of the most exciting areas of advancement in cancer care. Targeted drugs work by homing in on specific characteristics of cancer cells. For ovarian cancer, the most significant group of targeted drugs are PARP inhibitors (like Olaparib, Niraparib, and Rucaparib).
These are particularly effective in women with a BRCA gene mutation but are also used more widely as a "maintenance" therapy after chemotherapy to help prevent the cancer from returning.
The PMI Advantage: Access to Advanced Drugs
This is where private health cover can be truly life-changing. While the NHS provides excellent care, it is bound by strict funding decisions made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Sometimes, new and innovative drugs that are licensed for use in the UK may not be available on the NHS, or only for a very specific group of patients.
Many comprehensive PMI policies offer cover for:
- Drugs not yet approved by NICE: Access to licensed cancer drugs even if they are not yet routinely funded by the NHS.
- Off-label drug use: Using a drug to treat a condition for which it is not yet licensed, if there is good clinical evidence to support it.
This can open up treatment avenues that simply wouldn't be an option otherwise, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.
How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works for Cancer Care
Understanding how PMI covers cancer is crucial. It ensures you know what to expect and can choose a policy that gives you the protection you need.
The Most Important Rule: Pre-existing Conditions
Standard private medical insurance UK policies are designed to cover acute conditions that begin after you join. They do not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes) or any pre-existing conditions.
What does this mean for ovarian cancer?
- If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer after your policy start date, it will be covered as a new, acute condition.
- If you have had symptoms, consultations, or tests for a potential gynaecological cancer before taking out the policy, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will not be covered.
This is why it's wise to consider private health cover when you are well, as a safety net for the future.
Levels of Cancer Cover
Not all PMI policies are created equal when it comes to cancer. The level of cover can vary dramatically. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options.
| Feature | Basic Cancer Cover | Comprehensive Cancer Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics | Usually covered in full. | Covered in full. |
| Surgery & Hospital Stays | Covered in full. | Covered in full, often with choice of private room. |
| Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy | May have financial or time limits. Some policies may require you to use the NHS. | Covered in full with no limits. |
| Targeted Therapies | Limited or no cover. | Extensive cover for NICE-approved and often non-NICE approved drugs. |
| Monitoring & Follow-up | May have a time limit (e.g., for 2 years after treatment). | Often covers monitoring for many years, or for as long as you have the policy. |
| End-of-Life Care | Limited or no cover. | Often includes a contribution towards palliative care. |
Choosing the best PMI provider depends on your priorities and budget. A comprehensive policy offers the most complete peace of mind, ensuring that if the worst happens, you have access to the very best care without financial worry.
Choosing the Right Private Health Cover with WeCovr
The UK private health insurance market is complex, with numerous providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality all offering different products. This is where using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We do the hard work for you, comparing the market to find the right policy at the best price—all at no cost to you.
When building your policy, we'll help you understand key choices:
- Underwriting: We'll explain the difference between 'Moratorium' (simpler, no medical forms) and 'Full Medical Underwriting' (more detailed, but provides certainty on what's covered from day one).
- Excess: You can choose to pay a small amount towards any claim (an excess, e.g., £250). A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Policies offer different lists of private hospitals. Choosing a more limited list can reduce costs, but we'll ensure it includes high-quality cancer centres near you.
- Outpatient Cover: This covers your initial consultations and diagnostic tests. We'll help you choose a limit that won't leave you out of pocket.
Our goal is to create a tailored policy that fits your needs and budget perfectly. Based on high customer satisfaction ratings, our clients value this expert, personalised approach.
Beyond Treatment: Holistic Support and Wellness
Modern private medical insurance goes far beyond just paying for treatment. The best PMI providers offer a suite of services designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing throughout your journey.
Comprehensive Support Services
- Mental Health Support: A cancer diagnosis is emotionally challenging. Most policies include access to telephone counselling or a set number of face-to-face therapy sessions to support you and your family.
- Second Medical Opinions: If you have doubts about your diagnosis or treatment plan, PMI allows you to get a second opinion from another leading UK or even global expert.
- At-Home Care: Where clinically appropriate, many insurers now cover services like chemotherapy administered at home by a specialist nurse, making treatment more comfortable and less disruptive.
- Specialist Helplines: Access to dedicated cancer nurses who can answer your questions, explain treatments, and offer practical and emotional support.
Proactive Health and Wellness
At WeCovr, we believe in proactive health. That's why customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us receive:
- Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you manage a healthy diet.
- Discounts on other insurance: We value your loyalty and offer discounts on other products like life insurance or income protection.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, regular gentle exercise (as advised by your medical team), and good quality sleep can play a significant role in your resilience during treatment and your long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does private medical insurance cover ovarian cancer if I've had symptoms before?
Can I get PMI if I've already had cancer?
What is the single biggest benefit of PMI for an ovarian cancer diagnosis?
Do all PMI policies in the UK cover cancer fully?
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a life-altering event, but rapid access to the best specialists, diagnostics, and treatments can make all the difference. Private medical insurance provides a powerful safety net, offering choice, speed, and peace of mind when you and your family need it most.
Take the first step towards protecting your health. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our expert advisors help you find the perfect private health cover.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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