Symptoms

Ovarian cancer was thought to cause no symptoms. However, recent studies have shown that woman with ovarian cancer are more likely to have the following symptoms, even if the cancer is in an early stage. Sometimes, women with ovarian cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer.

• Bloating
  
  
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
  
  
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  
  
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

For many women with ovarian cancer, these symptoms occur often and are different from what is normal for their bodies. Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs). Early medical evaluation may help detect the cancer at the earliest possible stage of the disease, when it is easier to treat.

Women with ovarian cancer may also have the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
  
  
• Indigestion
  
  
• Back pain
  
  
• Pain with intercourse
  
  
• Constipation
  
  
• Menstrual irregularities

However, these symptoms are equally as likely to be caused by another medical condition. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, please talk with your doctor.