One major reason for this is that early-stage ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic. (2) When there are ovarian cancer symptoms, they can be vague or easy to blame on other, less serious conditions. Unfortunately, researchers have been unsuccessful so far in their efforts to develop a reliable screening test that can detect the disease in women without ovarian cancer symptoms (in the way that a Pap test can for cervical cancer and a mammogram can for breast cancer). These issues help explain why ovarian cancer, though relatively rare, is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in women and the most life-threatening of all cancers of the female reproductive system. (3) The American Cancer Society recommends seeing a doctor if you experience any of the following common symptoms more than 12 times in a month: (4)
BloatingPelvic or abdominal painDifficulty eating, or feeling full too quicklyUrinary discomfort, such as unusual urgency or frequency
FatigueUpset stomachBack painPain during sexChanges in the menstrual cycle, such as heavier bleeding than normal or irregular periodsAbdominal swelling accompanied by weight lossConstipation, diarrhea, or other changes in bowel habitsSpotting between periodsAbnormal dischargeA lump that can be felt in the pelvis area or abdomenDifficulty breathing (5,6,7)
Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Identifying symptoms early on can greatly improve a woman’s prognosis. The problem is ovarian cancer doesn’t cause many obvious issues early in the disease that are easily recognizable. This is partly because the ovaries are located deep within the abdominal cavity. (8) What’s more, if a woman does experience symptoms, she may attribute them to another source. (9) Still, there are some early symptoms to watch out for, including the following:
BloatingConstipationChange in bladder functionLoss of appetite or feeling full quicklyPersistent pain or pressure in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower back
What Does Ovarian Cancer Pain Feel Like
Ovarian cancer pain may be vague or noticeable. Typically, the pain is felt in the pelvis, abdomen, or lower back. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between ovarian cancer pain and gastrointestinal-related problems. Pain that is new to you, does not come and go, cannot be easily attributed to other factors or conditions, and lasts for more than three weeks can all be signs of a problem. Usually, the more the cancer spreads in the body, the more intense and constant the pain becomes. (10)
Check in With Your Doctor, Especially if Anything Seems Unusual
If you report any of these physical changes to your doctor, they will likely ask you a series of questions about your symptoms — when they started, how long you’ve had them — as well as about any history of cancer in your family and other risk factors. (11) Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam as well as other screening tests for ovarian cancer including transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests. (2) If there is a reason to suspect you may have ovarian cancer, the doctor will likely refer you to a specialist called a gynecologic oncologist — a doctor with special training in cancers of the female reproductive system. And it’s important to note: There is evidence that treatment by a specialist helps patients with ovarian cancer live longer, according to research from 2016. (12) Additional reporting by Julie Marks and Leona Vaughn.
