Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms

  • Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian cancer is cancer that develops in one or both the ovaries. It can then spread to other parts of the body. The annual incidence of ovarian cancer globally is 204,000. It has a high fatality rate as more than 70% are diagnosed at an advanced stage.  
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 31 January 2016

Often there are few signs and symptoms in the early stages, which is why ovarian cancer is often detected late. In most cases, the symptoms persist for several months before being recognised and diagnosed.           

These are some of the more common symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

  • Bloating – the abdomen feels tight, full, or with an abdominal mass
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Difficulty eating
  • Urinary symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Tiredness
  • Weight loss

Please read experiences of our Ovarian Cancer Warriors below:

Kamini: Be a crusader, not a martyr 

Meghna: Always have a gynae-oncologist perform cyst removal

Changed
23/Jan/2019
Community
Cancer
Condition
Ovarian Cancer

Stories

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    Often there are few signs and symptoms in the early stages, which is why ovarian cancer is often detected late. In most cases, the symptoms persist for several months before being recognised and diagnosed.            These are some of the more common symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: Bloating – the abdomen feels tight, full, or with an abdominal mass Abdominal or pelvic pain Difficulty eating Urinary symptoms Constipation Abnormal vaginal bleeding Rectal bleeding…
  • ovarian cancer scan
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  • Causes of Ovarian Cancer and Risk Factors
    We do not yet know what causes Ovarian Cancer. But we do what increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. You are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if: You are over 55; the average age at diagnosis is found to be 63 You have a family history (risk is higher for 1st degree relatives) You have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation You have a history of breast, uterine or colorectal cancer You have a genetic link to Lynch syndrome You started menstruating before 12 yrs of age You have…
  • Always have a Gynae-Oncologist Perform Cyst Removal
    Ovarian cancer survivor, Meghna, 30, tells you why. Here, she shares her experience – symptoms and treatment – and her learnings. Please tell us a bit about your condition.  I have a rare form of ovarian cancer called Granulosa Cell Tumour (GCT). These are classified as stromal tumours originating from the sex cord. GCT accounts for about 2-3% of all ovarian cancer cases. I was staged 1a (12x7cm tumour removed intact). When were you diagnosed?  I was diagnosed in…
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    Are Birth Control Pills Safe?
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  • Ovarian cancer
    What is ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer is cancer that develops in one or both the ovaries. It can then spread to other parts of the body. Cancer in the ovaries can also be a secondary cancer, the result of metastasis from a primary cancer elsewhere in the body. 7% of ovarian cancers are due to metastases while the rest are primary cancers that occur in the ovaries itself. Cancer occurring primarily in breast or in gastrointestintinal tract most often tend to metastasise to the ovaries. Ovarian…
  • Foods that fight cancer
    By nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju Being overweight has been linked with the increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial (uterus), and colorectal cancer. So keep your BMI at 25 or less with these foods that reduce your waist and your cancer risk: Fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses are rich in vitamins and minerals, boosting your immune system. Go for dark coloured beans (rajma, brown beans, green beans, black-eyed beans) and brightly coloured vegetables and…
  • Image of Kamini and her husband
    Be a crusader, not a martyr
    Says Ovarian cancer survivor Kamini Pradhan (56), six years after she was diagnosed with Stage 3-B Ovarian Cancer. Here, she talks about the hits she took and what kept her fighting.  It was the morning of April 17, 2008. I was feeling a bit disoriented and was perspiring. I am diabetic and thought my blood sugar level may have dropped. I called our family physician, who found my sugar level, blood pressure and cardiac condition quite normal. As he was leaving, I mentioned…

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