Signs of Ovarian Cancer

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.