Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity for the complementary medicine community to strengthen awareness of a condition that is often referred to as a “silent disease”. For practitioners working closely with clients over months or years, recognising subtle changes in health can sometimes play an important role in encouraging timely medical investigation.
A note for CMA Practitioners: at the end of this article, there is a reflective practice section that enables you to gain one hour of CMA/CPD for this post. Please read the full article and then work on the reflective practice questions and upload to your membership portal on the CMA website.
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most serious gynaecological cancers affecting women worldwide. In the United Kingdom, around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and many cases are unfortunately detected at a later stage when treatment options can be more limited.
For complementary medical practitioners, training schools, students and the wider professional community represented by The CMA, awareness is particularly important because practitioners often spend significant time listening to clients’ health concerns in ways that may differ from conventional consultations. This position places complementary practitioners in a unique role: not as diagnosticians of disease, but as observant professionals who can help encourage clients to seek appropriate medical assessment when symptoms persist.
At the same time, complementary approaches have an important role in supporting overall wellbeing, resilience and lifestyle strategies that may contribute to long-term health.
This article explores what complementary health professionals should know about ovarian cancer, including:
- Early symptoms and warning signs
- When urgent referral to medical care is appropriate
- Key risk factors and prevention strategies
- The professional responsibility of complementary practitioners
Why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Matters
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumour. The disease can also arise in nearby tissues such as the fallopian tubes or the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum).
One of the major challenges with ovarian cancer is that early symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for digestive or hormonal issues. Because of this, many women are diagnosed at a later stage.
According to the World Health Organization, ovarian cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Survival rates improve significantly when the disease is detected earlier, highlighting why awareness across the healthcare community is so important.
Complementary practitioners frequently work with clients who are addressing concerns such as:
- Digestive discomfort
- Hormonal changes
- Fatigue
- Menstrual irregularities
These symptoms may be caused by many benign conditions in most cases. However, persistent or unusual patterns should always be considered carefully and, where appropriate, discussed with a client’s GP.
Recognising Early Symptoms and Red Flags
Unlike some other cancers, ovarian cancer does not always produce dramatic early symptoms. Instead, women may experience subtle but persistent changes in how they feel.
Cancer Research UK highlights several symptoms that should not be ignored if they persist.
Persistent abdominal bloating
A swollen or enlarged abdomen that does not resolve and may gradually worsen.
Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
Women may find that they cannot eat normal portions of food or feel unusually full after eating small amounts.
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Persistent discomfort, pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Urinary urgency or frequency
Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently than usual.
These symptoms can be caused by many non-cancerous conditions. However, persistence is the key warning sign.
Medical guidance suggests that women should seek medical advice if symptoms occur frequently or persist for several weeks.
Other possible symptoms may include:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits
- Back pain
- Menstrual changes
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Pain during intercourse
For complementary practitioners, a helpful approach is to gently explore how long symptoms have been present and whether they represent a change from the client’s usual health patterns.
When Practitioners Should Encourage Medical Referral
Complementary practitioners must always remain within their professional scope of practice. Diagnosing cancer is strictly the responsibility of medical doctors.
However, practitioners can play an important role in encouraging timely medical assessment.
Clients should be encouraged to consult their GP if they report:
- Persistent bloating lasting several weeks
- Ongoing pelvic pain without clear explanation
- Rapid abdominal swelling
- Persistent difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Sudden unexplained weight changes
- Postmenopausal bleeding
In the United Kingdom, GPs may arrange investigations such as:
- A blood test measuring the protein CA125
- Pelvic ultrasound scans
- Further imaging such as CT scans where appropriate
Encouraging medical investigation does not mean assuming the worst. In many cases, symptoms will be explained by benign conditions. Nevertheless, timely investigation is essential to rule out serious disease.
Practitioners may find it helpful to reassure clients with calm language such as:
“Because these symptoms have been persistent, it would be sensible to have them checked by your GP so that nothing important is overlooked.”
This approach supports responsible healthcare while maintaining trust and reassurance.
Understanding Risk Factors
Although ovarian cancer can occur in women with no known risk factors, research has identified several factors that may increase risk.
Age
Risk increases with age, particularly after menopause.
Family history and genetics
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Reproductive history
Factors associated with a higher number of ovulation cycles over a lifetime may slightly increase risk.
Endometriosis
Some studies suggest a link between endometriosis and certain types of ovarian cancer.
Obesity
Higher body weight has been associated with increased risk in some research.
It is important to emphasise that risk factors do not guarantee that someone will develop the disease. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have no identifiable risk factors.
The Role of Complementary Practitioners in Women’s Health
Complementary medicine professionals often build long-term therapeutic relationships with their clients. These relationships create opportunities to support women’s health in several meaningful ways.
Practitioners may help clients develop:
- Health-supportive lifestyle habits
- Improved stress resilience
- Better sleep patterns
- Healthy weight management
- Greater awareness of bodily changes
These factors are increasingly recognised as important contributors to long-term health.
Equally important is the practitioner’s role in encouraging responsible medical care when appropriate. Complementary healthcare works best when it forms part of an integrative approach where conventional diagnosis and treatment are combined with supportive lifestyle strategies.
Professional Responsibility and Ethical Practice
For Members of The CMA, professional integrity and client safety remain central to practice.
When working with clients experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, practitioners should:
- Encourage appropriate medical investigation
- Avoid suggesting unproven cancer cures
- Work collaboratively with medical professionals where appropriate
- Maintain clear professional boundaries
Ethical complementary practice always prioritises client safety, transparency and evidence-informed guidance.
Looking Ahead
In the second part of this article, we explore evidence-informed complementary approaches that may support wellbeing, lifestyle strategies linked to long-term cancer risk reduction, and the role of practitioners, training schools and Approved Suppliers in supporting women’s health awareness.
Supporting Clients Through Complementary Approaches
Complementary medical practitioners are not involved in diagnosing or treating cancer directly. However, they can play a valuable role in supporting overall wellbeing, particularly when clients are navigating stress, fatigue, lifestyle changes or recovery following conventional treatment.
When a client has received a medical diagnosis of ovarian cancer, complementary approaches should always be positioned as supportive care alongside conventional oncology treatment. Surgery and chemotherapy remain the primary treatments for ovarian cancer, with management plans determined by oncology specialists according to disease stage and individual patient factors.
In many cases, treatment involves surgery to remove affected tissue followed by chemotherapy, although treatment approaches may vary depending on tumour type and stage.
Complementary practitioners may support clients through areas such as:
- Stress management
- Sleep support
- Nutritional guidance
- Gentle movement and rehabilitation
- Emotional wellbeing
- Mind–body techniques
Evidence increasingly suggests that psychological wellbeing, lifestyle habits and social support can play an important role in overall health outcomes during cancer treatment and recovery.
Practitioners should always ensure that clients:
- Inform their oncology team about any complementary approaches they are using
- Avoid supplements or therapies that may interfere with chemotherapy or medications
- Receive guidance that is responsible, ethical and evidence-informed
The professional standards promoted by The CMA emphasise that complementary medicine should be delivered in a way that prioritises safety, collaboration and transparency.
Lifestyle Strategies and Long-Term Risk Reduction
While no lifestyle strategy can guarantee prevention of ovarian cancer, growing evidence suggests that several factors may influence long-term cancer risk.
Complementary practitioners are well placed to support clients in developing sustainable health habits that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Research has identified obesity as one of the factors associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity may help reduce this risk.
Practitioners can support clients by encouraging realistic, sustainable approaches to healthy living rather than restrictive or extreme dietary practices.
Supporting Metabolic and Hormonal Health
The ovaries are closely connected to hormonal regulation. Lifestyle factors that support metabolic health may also contribute to long-term reproductive health.
These may include:
- Regular physical activity
- Stable blood sugar regulation
- A nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods
- Adequate sleep
Complementary practitioners frequently work with clients on improving these areas through coaching, education and supportive therapies.
Stress Reduction and Nervous System Regulation
Chronic stress has been associated with immune dysregulation, inflammation and hormonal disruption.
Mind–body approaches may help support nervous system balance and psychological wellbeing.
Examples include:
- Meditation
- Breathing techniques
- Yoga or mindful movement
- Relaxation therapies
These practices can be particularly valuable for clients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, helping support resilience and quality of life.
Supporting Women’s Health Awareness in Clinical Practice
One of the most powerful contributions complementary practitioners can make is simply raising awareness of women’s health issues.
Because practitioners often spend longer with clients during consultations, they may be in a unique position to notice changes in symptoms over time.
Practitioners may consider routinely asking clients about:
- Persistent bloating
- Digestive changes
- Pelvic discomfort
- Urinary frequency
- Changes in appetite
If symptoms appear persistent, unusual or worsening, practitioners should encourage clients to seek medical investigation. Persistent abdominal swelling, pelvic pain or feeling full quickly are among the symptoms that may prompt GP investigation.
GPs may then arrange diagnostic tests such as a blood test measuring the protein CA125 and pelvic imaging such as ultrasound scans to investigate further. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
It is important to note that CA125 is not a definitive diagnostic test. Levels may be elevated in ovarian cancer but can also rise in benign conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Nevertheless, when used appropriately in combination with imaging and clinical assessment, these investigations form an important part of the diagnostic pathway.
The Role of Training Schools and Students
Training schools play a vital role in ensuring that future complementary practitioners understand the importance of responsible healthcare practice.
Within professional education programmes, schools may wish to emphasise:
- Recognition of potential red flag symptoms
- Clear professional boundaries regarding diagnosis
- Ethical referral to medical professionals
- Evidence-informed complementary practice
- Interprofessional collaboration
Training schools that are Members of The CMA contribute significantly to raising professional standards across the complementary healthcare sector.
By ensuring that students understand both the benefits and limitations of complementary approaches, training schools help protect client safety while strengthening professional credibility.
The Role of Approved Suppliers
Approved Suppliers within the complementary health sector also contribute to the wider healthcare ecosystem.
Responsible suppliers provide:
- High-quality products supported by evidence
- Transparent information regarding safety
- Educational resources for practitioners
- Ethical marketing practices
When practitioners recommend products to clients, it is essential that these recommendations are based on professional judgement and client safety rather than commercial considerations.
The ethical standards promoted by The CMA help ensure that complementary healthcare remains professional, responsible and trusted.
Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for the entire complementary healthcare community to reflect on its role in supporting women’s health.
Complementary practitioners cannot diagnose cancer, but they can contribute meaningfully by:
- Recognising persistent or unusual symptoms
- Encouraging timely medical investigation
- Supporting healthy lifestyle habits
- Providing compassionate wellbeing support
- Working collaboratively with medical professionals
Through awareness, education and ethical practice, complementary healthcare professionals can play an important part in improving health outcomes for women.
Reflective Practice – this activity is valued at one hour of CMA CPD
The CMA continues to lead the profession through its exceptional commitment to continuing professional development, supporting practitioners, training schools and their students at every stage of their professional journey. As a respected holistic therapy organisation and global holistic therapy association, The CMA recognises that high-quality education and lifelong learning are essential for safe, ethical and effective practice. Through an expanding range of CPD courses, expert-led tutorials, professional development resources and clinical education initiatives, The CMA actively helps holistic therapists strengthen their knowledge, refine their skills and remain aligned with evolving evidence and professional standards. By working closely with training schools and supporting the next generation of holistic therapy practitioners, The CMA is helping to raise standards across the sector and ensure that holistic therapy continues to develop as a trusted and professional field within the wider healthcare landscape.
Complementary practitioners may wish to reflect on the following questions as part of their continuing professional development.
- How confident are you in recognising symptoms that may require medical referral?
- How do you currently encourage clients to seek appropriate medical advice when needed?
- What systems do you have in place to ensure you remain within your professional scope of practice?
- How might you incorporate greater awareness of women’s health issues into your practice or teaching?
- Are there opportunities to educate clients about recognising persistent symptoms earlier?
Reflective practice is an important element of professional growth and helps ensure that complementary healthcare remains safe, ethical and client-centred.
In order to register your reflective practice for this article, which is worth one hour of CMA CPD, please do the exercise above and either:
- print it out, scan it, and upload it to your CMA membership portal
- alternatively photograph it and upload it to your portal
You may also wish to read up on other conditions covered in the CMA’s Conditions Library here.
Further Reading
- National Health Service. (2023). Ovarian cancer. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/
- Cancer Research UK. (2024). Ovarian cancer risks and causes. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/risks-causes
- National Health Service. (2023). Ovarian cancer symptoms and diagnosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms/
- Menon, U., Gentry-Maharaj, A., Burnell, M., et al. (2021). Ovarian cancer screening and mortality in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). The Lancet, 397(10290), 2182–2193. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(21)00731-5/fulltext
- Reid, B. M., Permuth, J. B., & Sellers, T. A. (2017). Epidemiology of ovarian cancer: a review. Cancer Biology & Medicine, 14(1), 9–32. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5365187/
- World Health Organization. (2023). Cancer fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
- Charkhchi, P., et al. (2020). CA125 and ovarian cancer: A comprehensive review. Cancers, 12(12), 3730. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7763876/
All external resources are provided for educational purposes and reflect current evidence and public health guidance at the time of publication.
This article has been researched and written by Jayney Goddard MSc, PG Dip Ed , FCMA, FRSM
Jayney is the President and Founder of the Complementary Medical Association.