Spot the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Knowing what to look for can help you catch ovarian cancer when it’s easier to treat.

Scott Purinton, MD, PhD, Geisinger gynecologic oncologist

Unlike other types of cancer with more obvious symptoms, ovarian cancer is sneaky. It tends to stay under the radar, showing few symptoms — or sometimes none — until it reaches an advanced stage. 

Typically, ovarian cancer is discovered in its later stages after the symptoms become more pronounced. What often happens is the cancer starts to affect other parts of the body, like the bladder or rectum, and that’s when a woman will visit her doctor.

Because it’s tough to spot it in earlier stages when it’s easier to treat, arm yourself with knowledge so you can recognize the subtle signs of ovarian cancer.

So what are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? These minor changes in your body could be mistaken for another less-serious health issue. But if they don’t go away, don’t ignore them. 

Bloating

Feeling like you’re about to burst out of your jeans every day isn’t always a sign you’ve had too much pasta. Bloating could be due to an issue with your diet, but if you make some changes and the bloating persists, talk to your doctor. If your bloating sticks around for more than a few weeks, it’s time to schedule an exam.

Urgent bathroom breaks

If you find yourself running to the bathroom more often than usual, it might be more than just your morning coffee at play. An increased need to urinate or feeling a sudden, desperate need to go could indicate a tumor pushing on your bladder.

Eating less, feeling full

Have you been feeling full faster than usual or having persistent indigestion or nausea? These could be subtle hints from your body that something’s going on. What’s common among all of these symptoms is their duration. If you notice that any of these symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should see your doctor.

Aches and pains

Persistent lower abdominal and pelvic pain, especially if it’s outside your normal menstrual cycle, could be a red flag. And if you’re also having fatigue, back pain or discomfort during sex, these are other signs to watch for.

Knowing these early signs of ovarian cancer can make a huge difference. Early detection can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment.

And while these symptoms can be related to many different conditions, when they occur together with other signs, make sure you take them more seriously.

If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than a few weeks, or any other changes in your body that last more than a few days, make that doctor’s appointment. Any physician will agree: It’s smart to play it safe and get checked out.

For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.