There is new evidence that the majority of women with ovarian cancer may experience symptoms before diagnosis.1 But because the symptoms are often not very specific, they do not always lead a doctor directly to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
If a woman experiences any of the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than two to three weeks, she should be checked by a healthcare professional:
- bloating
- pelvic or abdominal pain
- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Although less common, other symptoms can include:
- feeling out of breath
- sudden, unexplained weight change
- loss of appetite, or feeling full after even a light meal
- backache or leg ache
These symptoms are usually caused by other, noncancerous conditions, such as a digestive disorder. If you have been experiencing these symptoms regularly, you should see your doctor.
Vaginal bleeding other than normal menstrual bleeding is a rare symptom of ovarian cancer. It can, however, be a warning sign of other serious conditions (particularly endometrial cancer) and should be reported immediately to a healthcare professional.
