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Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has the reputation of being a "silent killer". But many women know, and science has confirmed, that ovarian cancer DOES have symptoms.

Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from "normal" for their bodies. The frequency and or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. 

95% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer report having had one or more of these four common symptoms:

  • Bloating

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain

  • Urinary urgency or frequency

  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

See your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if you have these symptoms more than 12 times during one month and the symptoms are new or unusual for you.

Symptoms are significant, but they are not a definitive diagnostic tool. Since there is no diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer, symptom awareness remains of crucial importance. Being aware of the symptoms can help women get diagnosed sooner. Early-stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Other Symptoms Associated with Ovarian Cancer

Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

Source: Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Get the Facts About Ovarian Cancer | OCRA (ocrahope.org)

The Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance encourages women to track any persistent symptoms and take that information to their doctor, asking them to rule out ovarian cancer by administering a Trans-Vaginal Ultrasound (TVU), pelvic/rectal exam, and CA125 blood test.

I have symptoms. What do I do?

  • Know the symptoms - listen to your body- know the four most common symptoms (Bloating, Abdominal Pressure or Pain, Feeling Full Quickly when eating a meal, Urinary Urgency or Frequency)

  • DON’T WAIT!  If you’ve had one or more symptoms for more than a few weeks in any given month, see a gynecologist as soon as possible. Ask the doctor to RULE OUT ovarian cancer. Request a transvaginal ultrasound (TVU), pelvic / rectal exam, and a CA125 blood test. 

  • Advocate for yourself in your doctor’s office - misdiagnosis is common. 

Risk factors for ovarian cancer

ALL women are at risk, and the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. But, there is also an increased risk for these populations:

  • Women with a family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
  • Jewish women
  • Women of Hispanic heritage, including those in Colorado's San Luis Valley
  • Women who have never been pregnant
  • Women who have never used birth control pills
  • Those who use infertility treatments
  • Obese women

More Risk Factor Information

Learn more about the various risk factors for developing ovarian cancer!

Symptoms and Risk Factors

About Us

We know that receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be a scary and challenging experience, and we are here to support you through the journey. We have dedicated staff, exceptional volunteers, and a community of women who have gone through, or are still going through, the challenges of dealing with this disease. We are here for you through all stages of ovarian cancer.

COCA Connections

Assisting and supporting ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers is at the heart of COCA's mission. Our community of women includes those newly diagnosed, in treatment, after treatment, in recurrence, and long-term survivors. Click HERE to find out all the ways that we are here for you.

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