Learn about Ovarian cancer symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Ovarian cancer

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer doesn't usually cause any symptoms early on. And many of the symptoms it causes later, such as bloating, can be caused by other things, too, such as eating a big meal. This is why ovarian cancer isn't usually picked up until it has spread, which makes it harder to cure.

You won't be able to tell whether your symptoms are caused by cancer or by something harmless (such as indigestion). So you need to get them checked out by your doctor, even though there's a good chance nothing's wrong.

Here are some symptoms you should look out for:

Bloating in your abdomen (you might notice that your pants seem to be getting tighter, for example)
Feeling full soon after you start eating
Losing weight without trying
Feeling sick to the stomach, or getting indigestion
Having a pain in your pelvis (the part of your abdomen between your hips)
Getting

constipated
When you're constipated, you have difficulty passing stools (feces). Your bowel movements may be dry and hard. You may have fewer bowel movements than usual, and it may be a strain when you try to go.

constipation or

diarrhea
Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery stools and you need to go to the bathroom far more often than usual. Doctors say you have diarrhea if you need to go to the bathroom more than three times a day.

diarrhea
Having to urinate more often than usual
Having backache
Getting swollen ankles
Having a lump in your abdomen
Bleeding from your vagina in between periods or after

menopause
When a woman stops having periods, it is called menopause. This usually happens around the age of 50.

menopause.

You should tell your doctor if your symptoms:

Happen for more than a few days
Happen without a clear reason
Get worse (most harmless symptoms get better over a few days)
Happen at the same time
Are new to you (for example, if you've never had bloating before and you suddenly get it and it doesn't go away).

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.