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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

  • Writer: Dr Joseph Nightingale
    Dr Joseph Nightingale
  • 12 hours ago
  • 7 min read
Ovarian cancer ribbion

Catching ovarian cancer as early as possible increases your chances of survival. The problem is that the early signs of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pain or bloating, often go ignored. Speak to your GP if you have any of these symptoms that won’t go away. 


The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database estimates that the 5-year survival rate for early-stage ovarian cancer is at least 93%. Unfortunately, because the initial symptoms can seem mild, around 80% of women aren’t diagnosed during the early stages. 


But what ovarian cancer symptoms should you look out for? How is the condition diagnosed? And what happens if you’re positive? Find out below.


What is Ovarian Cancer? And How Does It Start?


Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones. It’s most common in women over 50. 


The abnormal cells begin to form a tumour. As the tumour grows, it invades the surrounding tissues or organs, leading to early ovarian cancer symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.


Types of Ovarian Cancer: Epithelial vs Germ Cell Tumours


Not all ovarian cancers are the same. They’re categorised based on the different types of cells found in the ovaries.


The main types of ovarian cancer are:


  • Epithelial ovarian cancers involve the surface layer covering the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. 

  • Germ cell ovarian cancer is rarer and begins in the cells that develop into eggs. It usually affects younger women.


There’s also a rare third type of cancer known as sex cord stromal cancer, which involves the tissues that support the ovaries and produce hormones.


Early Symptoms and Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer


Ovarian cancer symptoms aren’t always obvious. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body, noting when symptoms occur, whether they’re getting worse, and whether they occur together. 


The most common early signs of ovarian cancer include:


Bloating


Bloating is the main symptom to watch out for. It occurs in almost 90% of people with early ovarian cancer. Some bloating is normal around your menstrual period or after eating certain foods. 


The difference here is that the bloating is persistent and is associated with a feeling of abdominal fullness. That fullness is due to ascites, a fluid build-up in the abdomen.


Abdominal or Pelvic Pain


You might notice pain or discomfort in your:


  • Stomach (abdomen)

  • The area between your hip bones (pelvis)


The nature of the pain differs from person to person. It might be intense pressure or feel as if your insides are being squeezed from within. Pain during sex can also occur, though it’s less common.


Indigestion


Indigestion is primarily thought of as a stomach-related symptom. But it can occur as an early sign of ovarian cancer. A 2018 study identified it as a "persistent, nonspecific symptom in the months before diagnosis" in women with ovarian cancer.


Changes in Bowel Habit


It’s estimated that one in five women will notice either constipation, diarrhoea, or other bowel habit changes. That happens as the cancer irritates or invades the adjacent bowel. 


You may also notice changes in urination. It’s not unusual to pee more frequently, have a burning sensation when you pee, or still feel like your bladder is full even after urinating.


Back Pain


Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints. But it can be an early sign of ovarian cancer, even if most of the time it’s due to injury. 


A 2016 study found that 72% of women with ovarian cancer had back pain for three or more months before their diagnosis. As before, the differentiating factor is its persistence. The back pain usually doesn’t change with position and will gradually worsen over time.


Menstrual Changes


Ovarian cancer grows within the reproductive system. Little surprise that it can affect the menstrual cycle, although it’s most common in the over-50s who may have already undergone menopause. 


You may notice:


  • Missed period

  • Heavier bleeding

  • Spotting or bleeding when you’re not having a period

  • Unusual vaginal discharge


Even if you don’t have ovarian cancer, a shift from a regular to an irregular menstrual cycle is a risk factor for the condition. It’s best to see your GP either way, just to get checked.


Ovarian Cancer vs Ovarian Cysts Symptoms


Ovarian cancer isn’t the only growth that can occur in the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacks that can cause similar symptoms to ovarian cancer — but they’re not cancerous. Common symptoms include mild abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, and pain during intercourse.


Most ovarian cysts are self-limiting. They’ll go away without any treatment. However, you may need treatment if:


  • don’t go away by themselves

  • are unusually large

  • cause noticeable symptoms

  • develop after you have gone through menopause


The Importance of Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer


All cancers have better outcomes the earlier they are caught. The same is true for ovarian cancer. By their nature, cancers grow over time. The longer they have to grow before detection, the more likely they are to have invaded surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.


If caught early, the cancer can often be surgically removed, minimising damage to the body. But if it spreads to adjacent organs, it becomes harder and harder to remove every last trace of the cancer. And if cancer remains, it will continue to grow.


If you’re concerned about symptoms or simply want reassurance, Health Klinix offers both a Well-Woman Blood Test and an Ovarian Cancer Blood Test. These tests can help identify potential warning signs earlier, giving you the opportunity to seek medical advice sooner and take proactive steps for your health.


How do Doctors Test for Ovarian Cancer?


If you’ve noticed some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, speak to your GP. They’ll usually perform a pelvic exam, inserting gloved fingers into the vagina while pressing a hand on your abdomen. They’re feeling for any unusual lumps or bumps in the region.

Depending on your symptoms and exam, you might be sent for testing. Common tests include:


  • Blood Test. The cancer antigen (CA-125) test detects a protein often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. It’s not definitive.

  • Imaging Tests. Ultrasound or CT scans can visualise the size, shape, and structure of your ovaries, identifying any potential abnormalities.

  • Surgery. If doctors aren’t certain of your diagnosis, exploratory surgery can be performed to determine if your symptoms are a sign of ovarian cancer. 


Once confirmed, your specialist doctor will assess you to see what stage your cancer is. The cancer stages range from 1 to 4 (written in Roman numbers I to IV).


How is Ovarian Cancer Treated? 


Surgery


Early-stage ovarian cancer is usually treated with surgery. Depending on the size of the tumour, the surgeon may remove one or both ovaries, the uterus, and surrounding tissue. They’ll try to remove everything that carries a risk of cancer. 


Chemotherapy


Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that kills fast-growing cells in the body. It slows or eliminates cancer growth. It can be used before surgery or for cancers that have spread beyond the ovaries. 


Other Treatments

Hormone treatments can be prescribed if the ovarian cancer is oestrogen sensitive. Oestrogen can cause the cancer to grow faster, so blocking oestrogen can help control the tumour’s growth. 


Targeted medications can also target specific weaknesses in cancer cells, causing them to die. This will depend on the type of cancer you have.


Frequently Asked Questions 


How can I check for ovarian cancer at home?


Take note of any symptoms listed above. If the symptoms persist or worsen over time, speak to your GP. You can also book a well-woman or ovarian cancer blood test at Health Klinix to check for any abnormalities. It’s useful information for your GP appointment.


Are ovarian cancer symptoms worse during your period?


Yes, ovarian cancer symptoms can sometimes feel worse during your period. You might already experience bloating, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, or digestive changes. If ovarian cancer is present, these symptoms may feel more intense at that time.


Are ovarian cancer symptoms constant?


No, ovarian cancer symptoms are not always constant. However, they usually become persistent over time. During the early stages, symptoms may come and go, but as the condition progresses, they typically become more regular and harder to ignore.


Is ovarian cancer curable?


Yes. If caught early, ovarian cancer can often be treated successfully and patients may enter remission. Most patients will undergo surgery, removing one or both ovaries. If the tumour hasn’t spread, you can eliminate the cancer. 


Is ovarian cancer genetic?


There is a genetic component to ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of the condition, you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer yourself. That being said, not everyone who develops ovarian cancer will have a genetic component. 


Can ovarian cancer stop periods?


Yes, ovarian cancer can sometimes affect or stop periods, but it’s not a common early symptom.


References


  1. American Cancer Society. (2025). Survival Rates for Ovarian Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html (Accessed: 5 March 2026).

  2. Bast, R.C., Lu, Z., Han, C.Y., Lu, K.H., Anderson, K.S., Drescher, C.W. and Skates, S.J. (2020). Biomarkers and strategies for early detection of ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 29(12), pp.2504–2512. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-20-1057

  3. Cirillo, P.M., Wang, E.T., Cedars, M.I., Chen, L.M. and Cohn, B.A. (2016). Irregular menses predicts ovarian cancer: Prospective evidence from the Child Health and Development Studies. International Journal of Cancer, 139(5), pp.1009–1017. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.30144

  4. Dilley, J., Burnell, M., Gentry-Maharaj, A., Ryan, A., Neophytou, C., Apostolidou, S., Karpinskyj, C., Kalsi, J., Mould, T., Woolas, R., Singh, N., Widschwendter, M., Fallowfield, L., Campbell, S., Skates, S.J., McGuire, A., Parmar, M., Jacobs, I. and Menon, U. (2020). Ovarian cancer symptoms, routes to diagnosis and survival: Population cohort study in the ‘no screen’ arm of the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). Gynecologic Oncology, 158(2), pp.316–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.05.002

  5. Doubeni, C.A., Doubeni, A.R. and Myers, A.E. (2016). Diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer. American Family Physician, 93(11), pp.937–944. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281838/


Written by:


Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc


Approved by:


Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine

MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP

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