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
Whilst not officially recognised, 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 something feels off with your body, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Do the different stages of ovarian cancer have different symptoms?
Yes, the 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.
Stage 1 ovarian cancer symptoms
In stage 1, cancer is limited to the ovaries. Symptoms may include mild bloating and discomfort around the tummy and pelvic area.
Stage 2 ovarian cancer symptoms
At stage 2, the cancer has spread within the pelvis. You might experience more noticeable tummy pain, increased bloating, and need to pee more frequently.
Stage 3 ovarian cancer symptoms
Stage 3 involves the spread of cancer beyond the pelvis into the abdomen. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, back pain, significant bloating, feeling full more quickly, and fatigue.
Stage 4 ovarian cancer symptoms
Stage 4 is the most advanced stage, with cancer spreading to distant organs. Symptoms can be more severe and swelling in the abdomen (ascites).
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.
I have the symptoms of ovarian cancer, what should I do?
If your symptoms are persistent, severe, frequent or out of the ordinary make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
Keep a record of the symptoms you are experiencing and have your notes to hand when you speak to your doctor, to help them make a diagnosis. Use our downloadable symptoms diary to help you keep track of your symptoms.
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.
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.
Take a look at ovarian cancer symptoms in more detail
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.
