Early warning signs of ovarian cancer

While early-stage ovarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms, there are subtle signs that women should never ignore. These symptoms are often persistent and represent a departure from what is normal for you.

Inflation
Bloating is one of the most common early signs of ovarian cancer. Women may notice that they constantly feel bloated or that their abdomen becomes visibly distended. Unlike normal bloating, which comes and goes, bloating in ovarian cancer tends to last for weeks.

Pelvic or abdominal pain
Recurring discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, lower abdomen, or even back can be a sign of ovarian cancer. While many women experience pelvic discomfort from time to time, pain that becomes regular and doesn’t go away deserves attention.

Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
If you lose your appetite or feel full after eating a small amount of food, this could be an early warning sign of ovarian cancer. These symptoms, known as early satiety, are common because the growing tumor can put pressure on the abdomen and surrounding organs.

Urinary Tract Symptoms
Frequent urination, urgency (feeling like you need to urinate right away), or difficulty emptying your bladder can indicate ovarian cancer. These symptoms occur when the tumor presses on the bladder or urethra. While urinary changes are common with age or other medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, they should be evaluated if they persist without an obvious cause.