Most people who suffer with ovarian cancer complain of the same symptoms. They experience the same pains and weaknesses as other sufferers. However the symptoms that are experienced are not exclusive to cancer and can point to other less serious illnesses. A lot of the time the symptoms can point to bladder or digestive problems. This means that often the symptoms are diagnosed wrongly and it is only when problems persist or worsen that they are then re-examined and ovarian cancer is diagnosed.

There are a set of symptoms that almost everyone that is diagnosed with ovarian cancer will experience.

Women will find that they will notice a sudden need to go to the toilet. Bladder problems are common and the need to urinate more regularly than normal is not unusual.

You will also find that you experience pelvic problems. Pains and discomfort is quite common.

Swelling, bloating and fullness in the abdomen will also be experienced.

Although these symptoms are almost a certainty when it comes to ovarian cancer there are also a set of symptoms that can be experienced. Although these symptoms are not always experienced and you may find that you experience only 1 of the ailments they are common with ovarian cancer.

These symptoms include:

A drastic change in weight, either weight gain or weight loss with no change in lifestyle.

You may also find that you experience a loss of appetite

Unexplained drastic changes in bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)

Changes in bladder habits

Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Lower back pain

Lack of energy

As with any illness you do not have to experience more than 1 of these symptoms - If you are experiencing any of the above then you should see a doctor immediately.

There are any number of symptoms that can indicate that you may have ovarian cancer – and so of course it is important to get any of these checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. However because the symptoms are not exclusive to ovarian cancer it is often undetected for some months. It is only when symptoms worsen or remain constant that ovarian cancer is diagnosed. The types of symptoms that you experience are often in line with digestive or bladder problems

Often you will experience urinary problems with a need to go to the toilet more regularly and often immediately. Patients will also often have a swollen or bloated abdomen. Often they experience also pains and discomfort in the pelvic area.

The above symptoms are the most common and you will find that most people with ovarian cancer experience at least 1 if not all of the above symptoms.

There are other symptoms that may be experienced can be weight change – Either weight loss or weight gain, with no change in your lifestyle. Change in your usual bladder habits and possibly, diarrhea, constipation, or just general changes in their bowel movements with no change in lifestyle. During sexual intercourse they may also experience some main or discomfort. Day to day you may also experience lower back pain. Feeling lethargic and breathless.

Because the symptoms are vague and can point to any number of illnesses it is hard to pin point this to ovarian cancer. For this reason if you are experiencing even just 1 of these symptoms you should get this looked into immediately. Speedy diagnosis of your symptoms & illness is fundamental in increasing your chances in surviving ovarian cancer. Your chances of survival are higher the earlier than you are diagnosed.

Ovarian cancer has many symptoms which point to ovarian cancer – however these are not uncommon with other illnesses and diseases so it is often difficult to pin point the symptoms specifically to ovarian cancer. The symptoms can be in line with digestive problems and bladder disorders. Due to this it often means that women can be diagnosed with a different illness firstly. It is often only once these symptoms persist or worsen that they are tested and ovarian cancer is diagnosed. The reason for this is that with ovarian cancer the symptoms are constantly – Unlike other digestive problems where symptoms can come and go.

There are many symptoms for ovarian cancer; some women will have more than others. The mostly likely symptoms are:

Abdominal problems – fullness, Swelling, Bloating or pressure,

Urinary problems – Needing to go to the toilet urgently,

Pelvic problems – Discomfort or pain.

There are many other symptoms that women may experience. These can sometimes be less severe than the other symptoms & not every woman can experience these. These other symptoms tend to come and go and are not always constant. Where as the symptoms listed above tend to be constant once they start to be experienced and tend to worsen when time goes on. The symptoms that can come and go are:

Loss of appetite

Weight gain or weight loss with no change in lifestyle

Changes in bladder habits

Unexplained changes in bowel movements (Diarrhoea or constipation)

Pain many be experienced during sexual intercourse

Lack of energy

Pain your lower back

As a general rule women experiencing these symptoms are usually diagnosed within 3 months. Of course with these symptoms it can be difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer and this can sometimes take around 6 months. The earlier you go to the doctor to get any symptoms like this checked out the better.