Ovarian Cancer in We Live in Time: Understanding the key facts

In the film We Live in Time, Almut (played by Florence Pugh) is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She initially chooses a treatment that lets her keep one ovary, so she can still have the chance to have children in the future. Sadly, her cancer returns, bringing new challenges for her and her partner, Tobias (played by Andrew Garfield).

The story shows how ovarian cancer affects not just the person diagnosed but also their loved ones. It highlights the difficult decisions about treatment, fertility, and the emotional toll of living with this disease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries—the organs that produce eggs and hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late because the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions.

Every year in the UK, around 7,495 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, making it the sixth most common cancer in women.

Discover everything you need to know about ovarian cancer, including symptoms, those most at risk and key statistics.

What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Persistent bloating.
• Pain in your tummy or pelvis.
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
• Needing to pee more often or more urgently.

These symptoms can sometimes feel like less serious issues, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If they’re new, frequent, or don’t go away, it’s important to see your GP.

Learn more about the signs of ovarian cancer and hear from women who have experienced them.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

To diagnose ovarian cancer, doctors may:

• Perform a pelvic examination to check for lumps or swelling.
• Use imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to look at your ovaries.
• Conduct a blood test to measure CA-125, a protein that can be higher in some ovarian cancer cases.
• Carry out a biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue) to confirm if cancer is present.

Explore more about the tests and steps to detect ovarian cancer.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer but often includes:

• Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue, which may include one or both ovaries.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Your medical team will work with you to choose the best treatment for your situation.

Find out more about ovarian cancer treatments.

Can ovarian cancer affect fertility?

Yes, some ovarian cancer treatments, like surgery or chemotherapy, can make it harder to have children. If preserving fertility is important to you, you might consider options like fertility-sparing surgery or freezing eggs before starting treatment.

Take a look at our information on ovarian cancer and pregnancy.

Is ovarian cancer hereditary?

Some ovarian cancer cases are linked to inherited genetic faults like BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, it’s worth discussing genetic testing with your doctor.

Explore how genetic faults can increase your cancer risk and what you can do about it.

How can I reduce my risk?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, but some factors may reduce your risk, such as:

• Taking oral contraceptives (the pill).
• Having children.
• Breastfeeding.

It’s also important to stay informed about your family history and talk to your doctor about regular health checks.

Discover the risks and causes of ovarian cancer, along with how to reduce your risk.

Where can I find support?

Support is available through healthcare providers, cancer support groups, and organisations dedicated to ovarian cancer awareness and research.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone else, or just looking for information, you don’t have to face ovarian cancer alone.