You will usually have a blood test and a scan if a GP thinks you may have ovarian cancer. Other tests will then be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

You may have an ultrasound scan to see if there are changes to your ovaries.

This might be done using a smooth, tube-shaped scanning device inserted into your vagina (transvaginal scan). Or you may have an external scan over your tummy area (abdominal scan).

If your scan comes back normal, the GP should check to see whether anything else may be causing your symptoms – this might involve other tests.

If there is no apparent cause of your symptoms, the GP should advise you to come back again if the symptoms continue or become more frequent.

Sometimes ovaries are too small to show up on a scan, especially after the menopause.

If the blood test and ultrasound scan suggest you have ovarian cancer, further tests and procedures you may have to confirm the diagnosis include:

• a CT scan
• removing a small sample of cells or fluid from your ovaries (needle biopsy)
• looking at your ovaries using a camera on the end of a tube through a small cut in your tummy (laparoscopy)
• surgery to remove tissue or possibly your ovaries (laparotomy)

Find out more

• Cancer Research UK: tests for ovarian cancer
• Cancer Research UK: types of ovarian cancer
• Ovarian Cancer Action: ovarian cancer tests

You should get the results of your tests within a few weeks.

Call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to update you.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have ovarian cancer

Being told you have ovarian cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A team of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.

They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.

Call 0808 808 00 00.

If you've been told you have ovarian cancer, you may need more tests to find out the size of the cancer and how far it has spread (called the stage).

The specialists will look at the results of your tests and talk to you about the best treatment plan for you.

Find out more

• Cancer Research UK: stages and grades of ovarian cancer