The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly in the early stages of the disease. They are often the same as the symptoms of other, less serious, conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). However, three main symptoms are more frequent in women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The three symptoms are:
- persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
- increased abdominal size/persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
- difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous
Other symptoms, such as back pain and needing to pass urine more urgently and frequently than normal, may be the result of other conditions in the pelvic area. They are probably not ovarian cancer, but may be present in some women with the disease.
If you have any of these symptoms, keep a symptom diary to see how many of these symptoms you have over a longer period. Bear in mind that ovarian cancer is rare in women under 40 years old. If you regularly have any of these symptoms, talk to your GP. It’s unlikely that they are being caused by a serious problem, but it’s best to be checked.
If you've already seen your GP and the symptoms continue or get worse, it is important to go back and explain this, as you know your body better than anyone.
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