What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? 5 Symptoms You Should Keep an Eye On

Due to its vague and few early symptoms, ovarian cancer has been thought of as a silent killer. However, the cancer is not as “silent” as it was thought to be. In fact, there are early most common symptoms we can recognize. What are the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer in its early stage?

In this post, we will tell you the 5 most common early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Knowing ovarian cancer at its early stage can improve prognosis as the earlier it is diagnosed, the more treatable the disease is.

 
Never Ignore the Symptoms

Keep in mind that if you experiencing some of the symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have ovarian cancer. The symptoms above are associated with benign as well as cancers of other body parts.

If, however, the symptoms are a change from normal (they are more severe or occur more often than they normally do) and persistent (they don’t come and go, don’t go away within 1 to 3 weeks and OTC medications don’t help), consult your doctor to determine the cause.

 

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer in Its Early Stage?

So, what are the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer in its early stage? There are 5: bloating, prolonged pain, a change in bladder function, difficulty eating, and constipation. Let’s get to each one.

 
1. Bloating

Bloating is not an uncommon condition. In fact, nearly all women have experienced bloating at some point in their life. It is normal for a woman to feel bloated, particularly so around her monthly cycle.

While feeling bloated is normal, persistently feeling bloated is not. Bloating can be a warning sign if it is accompanied by visible swelling in the stomach or abdominal distension.

  
2. Prolonged pain

While prolonged pain in areas such as the pelvis, abdomen, and/or lower back is a vague symptom and may be caused by other issues than ovarian cancer, it can signal a problem if it lasts for 1 to 3 weeks.

However, if it is a change from normal or new to you, doesn’t come and go and you can’t attribute it to other factors, it can be a warning sign of ovarian cancer.

 
3. Change in bladder function

The next most common symptom of ovarian cancer is a change in bladder function. More likely than not, a urinary tract infection is the culprit of a change in bladder function.

In some cases, however, a change in bladder function can also sign ovarian cancer, especially if it includes sudden urgency, frequent urination, and feeling pain or pressure in the bladder that is new and prolonged.

 
4. Difficulty eating

Loss of appetite, having difficulty eating even small meals, and feeling full quickly is among the most common early signs of ovarian cancer. Again, these symptoms can be caused by other health issues, but if they are new and persistent, make an appointment with your doctor to find out the cause.

 
5. Constipation

Gastrointestinal (GI) issues can be associated with various diseases, from irritable bowel syndrome, stress to ovarian cancer. In the case of ovarian cancer, the common GI issue is constipation.

 

Why Is It Important to Recognize Early Symptoms?

If detected early, the 5-year survival rate of women who have ovarian cancer is between 80% and 90%. On the other hand, the cancer is detected at its advanced stage, the 5-year survival rate is between 28% and 40%. This is why recognizing early symptoms of ovarian cancer is important.

Now you know the answer to the question “What are the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer?” In case you experience some of the symptoms and they are a change from normal and persistent, go to your doctor so they can determine what the cause is. We hope this helps.