Ovarian cancer signs and symptoms can be vague, or can often be misdiagnosed as common female complaints—like bloating and abdominal cramps.
If you have one or two of the listed symptoms, you most likely do not have ovarian cancer. That said, a greater combination of symptoms, or symptoms which persist or are unusual for you, should be investigated by a medical professional.
Knowing what to look for, as well as when you should be consulting your GP, is currently the best approach for individuals concerned about ovarian cancer.
Both women and their doctors mistakenly attribute the symptoms to common female complaints, and delay taking further steps.
Signs to look out for
- Vague abdominal pain or pressure
- Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion—different to your normal sensations
- Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating
- Persistent changes in bowel or bladder patterns
- Low backache or cramps
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Unexplained weight loss
What is ovarian cancer? Diagnosing