Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce egg cells. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and can be mistaken for other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. However, there are some warning signs that women should be aware of.

1. Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

One of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer is abdominal or pelvic pain. The pain may be constant or intermittent. It may also be accompanied by bloating or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

The pain may be caused by the growing tumor pressing on surrounding organs or by the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. If you are experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain that persists for several weeks, you should see your doctor.

2. Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly

Ovarian cancer can cause the abdomen to become enlarged due to the presence of a tumor. This can put pressure on the stomach, making it difficult to eat or causing you to feel full after eating only a small amount.

If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than a few weeks, it is important to see your doctor.

3. Changes in Bowel Habits

Ovarian cancer can cause changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. You may also experience nausea or vomiting. These symptoms may be caused by the tumor pressing on the intestines or by the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor.

4. Urinary Symptoms

Ovarian cancer can cause urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency. You may also experience pain or discomfort when urinating. These symptoms may be caused by the tumor pressing on the bladder or by the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. You may feel tired or weak even if you have had plenty of rest. Fatigue may be caused by the cancer itself or by the body’s response to the disease.

If you are experiencing fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep, you should see your doctor.

6. Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom of ovarian cancer. The pain may be in the lower back or in the area between the shoulder blades. It may be constant or intermittent.

Back pain may be caused by the tumor pressing on the spine or by the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. If you are experiencing back pain that persists for several weeks, you should see your doctor.

7. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of many gynecological conditions, including ovarian cancer. You may experience bleeding between periods or after menopause. If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, you should see your gynecologist.

8. Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Ovarian cancer can cause changes in menstrual cycle, such as heavier or lighter periods than normal. You may also experience irregular periods. These changes may be caused by the tumor interfering with the production of hormones in the body.

If you are experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle, you should see your gynecologist.

9. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. You may lose weight without trying, or you may lose weight despite eating a normal diet.

Weight loss may be caused by the cancer itself or by the body’s response to the disease. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, you should see your doctor.

10. Swelling of the Abdomen or Legs

Ovarian cancer can cause swelling of the abdomen or legs. The swelling may be caused by the accumulation of fluid in the body. If you are experiencing swelling that persists for several weeks, you should see your doctor.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. However, by being aware of the warning signs and symptoms, women can take steps to seek medical attention and receive a timely diagnosis.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your health, you should see your doctor.