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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 constipation or 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.

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 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 2008. All rights reserved.