Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be easy to mistake for more common conditions. Pay attention to changes that are unusual for you, especially when they persist or happen more often than they used to.

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Symptoms to discuss with a healthcare provider include:

• Bloating or abdominal swelling

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Abdominal or back pain

• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly

• Needing to urinate more often or more urgently

• Constipation or other changes in bathroom habits

• Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is not normal for you, particularly bleeding after menopause

 

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer. If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, contact your healthcare provider promptly. If other symptoms are new for you and last two weeks or longer, make an appointment to discuss them. Tell your provider about your symptoms and any personal or family history of cancer.

 

There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in people without symptoms. A regular checkup is a good opportunity to discuss your health, but you do not need to wait for one to raise a concern.