Learn about the symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" but the truth is, it does have symptoms. The key is knowing what they are and acting early.
If you’re a woman over 45, especially post-menopause, it's important to listen to your body and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Early diagnosis saves lives.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions, which is why awareness is so important.
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.
Why symptoms awareness matters
Over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK. Yet only 1 in 5 cases are caught early, when treatment is most effective.
There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, so knowing the signs is our best defence. Many women attribute symptoms to ageing, menopause, or less serious conditions. That’s why your awareness could be life-saving, for you or someone you love.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Talk to your GP.
Learn more about the signs of ovarian cancer and what to do next
Who are we? Ovarian Cancer Action
Ovarian Cancer Action is the UK’s leading ovarian cancer research charity. We exist to fund life-saving scientific research, raise awareness, and campaign for change.
We are dedicated to a world where no woman dies of ovarian cancer and that starts with giving every woman the information she needs to act early.
Through funding cutting-edge research and powerful public health campaigns, we’re working to:
- Improve early diagnosis
- Develop better, targeted treatments
- Support people with inherited risk factors like BRCA gene mutations
When you support Ovarian Cancer Action, you're not just helping individuals, you're helping change the future of women's health.