Understand the symptoms of ovarian cancer
By understanding the signs of ovarian cancer and recognising its symptoms, you can take proactive steps toward early detection and treatment. If you have concerns or notice persistent or unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Early detection saves lives.
What are the main ovarian cancer symptoms?
There are four main ovarian cancer symptoms:
- Persistent bloating (it doesn’t come and go)
- Difficulty eating or feeling full more quickly
- Needing to pee more frequently or urgently
- Pain around your tummy to the top of your thighs
These can also be symptoms of other, less serious, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome. If you’re experiencing these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer.
Uncommon symptoms of ovarian cancer
Reported by many women, other ovarian cancer symptoms might also include:
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel habits (going more often or a lot less)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
- Extreme tiredness
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms and they’ve lasted for three weeks or more, especially if they’re happening frequently or feel unusual for you, don’t delay.
You’re not wasting anyone’s time, GPs want to hear from you. Ask about ovarian cancer specifically, and keep a note of your symptoms if that helps you explain how often they’re occurring.
Persistent bloating
Bloating that comes and goes is common, but persistent bloating, the kind that makes your clothes feel tighter or gives you a hard, swollen stomach, can be a warning sign. This isn’t the occasional discomfort after a big meal. If your tummy feels consistently bloated or swollen for three weeks or more, it’s time to speak to your GP.
Persistent bloating is one of the most common early symptoms of ovarian cancer and is often dismissed as digestive issues. If it’s unusual for you, don’t ignore it.
Feeling full more quickly
Are you finding that you can’t eat as much as usual, or that you feel full soon after starting a meal? This can be a sign that something is pressing on your stomach or affecting your digestion, which can happen when ovarian cancer causes fluid build-up or swelling in the abdomen.
This symptom may also come with nausea or indigestion. If you're eating less without trying or feel put off by food, it’s worth getting checked.
Needing to pee more often
A change in your urinary habits, like needing to go more frequently during the day or night, or feeling a sudden urge to go, can be an early sign of ovarian cancer. This happens when a growing tumour presses against the bladder, changing how it functions.
Of course, there are many reasons why urinary changes happen, but if this is unusual for you and persists, speak to your GP. Don’t assume it’s just a normal part of ageing.
Tummy and pelvic pain
Many women experience abdominal pain from time to time, but ongoing pain in the lower stomach or pelvic area that doesn't go away is not normal. This could feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen or back.
Ovarian cancer can cause inflammation or pressure in the pelvis, leading to persistent discomfort. If this pain feels new or different for you, or continues over several weeks, it’s important to take it seriously.
I have the symptoms of ovarian cancer, what should I do?
Pain and ovarian cancer
Want to know more about ovarian cancer pain? Explore the connection between ovarian cancer and pain and find out whether pain is a symptom of ovarian cancer, the reasons behind its occurrence, and possible locations such as back, abdominal, hip, leg, and shoulder pain.
Experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms?
Take a look at our page on what steps to take if you're experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms and what to do if your concerns are not being addressed. Empower yourself with information on seeking a second opinion and advocating for your health.
Other medical issues that can have similar symptoms
Several other conditions share symptoms with ovarian cancer, making diagnosis more challenging. Here’s how they compare:
IBS vs. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, similar to ovarian cancer. However, IBS symptoms often fluctuate with diet, while ovarian cancer symptoms are more persistent.
Menopause vs. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Menopause can lead to symptoms like bloating and changes in urination. Ovarian cancer, however, often includes pelvic pain and difficulty eating, which are not typical of menopause.
Endometriosis vs. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Endometriosis causes pelvic pain and bloating, similar to ovarian cancer. However, endometriosis is usually tied to menstrual cycles, whereas ovarian cancer symptoms are more consistent throughout the month.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) vs. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
UTIs cause the need to wee more often and pelvic pain, which are also symptoms of ovarian cancer. However, UTIs often include a burning sensation during urination, which ovarian cancer does not. Ovarian cancer pain can also be around the tummy to the top of the thighs.
FAQs
Ovarian cancer symptoms often develop gradually and can be easy to overlook, often being misdiagnosed. However, in some cases, symptoms can appear more suddenly, especially as the disease progresses.
Yes, ovarian cancer symptoms can fluctuate. However, they usually persist over time and may gradually worsen, even if they seem to come and go initially.
Hot flushes are typically associated with menopause and do not directly link to ovarian cancer. However, around 84% of ovarian cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50, which is around the same age menopause is likely to occur.
If you are over 45, it is important to talk to your GP if you have any of the typical ovarian cancer symptoms or if something feels off with your body.
Typically, ovarian cancer symptoms do not come and go so will not fluctuate at different points in the menstrual cycle. However, you may feel more discomfort during the period.
If you are experiencing tummy pain in and around the pelvic area to the top of the thighs throughout the month, you should speak to your doctor.
Ovarian cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. However, some people can experience all or none of the symptoms at any stage of the disease.
If you are going through diagnosis or have recently been diagnosed and are experiencing these symptoms, it doesn't not necessarily correlate to the stage or grade of ovarian cancer you have.
Yes, ovarian cancer can be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages.
Understanding any potential risks (genetic, age etc) along with being attentive to any subtle changes in your body is important to catch ovarian cancer at an early stage.
