4 Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women and causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer. The good news is that knowing the symptoms and your risk factors can increase the likelihood of early detection and survival.

However, ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and difficult to detect, leading to the disease often being called a “silent” killer. So, it’s critical to know what to look for and take action if you experience physical changes that concern you.

Early Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks, see your healthcare provider.

Bloating

You may feel bloated during PMS or when you eat too much, but women with ovarian cancer experience bloating every day, and there’s no relief. It may be mild bloating similar to when you have eaten too much, or it may be severe to the point where it is difficult to button your pants or sit down.

Pelvic or Abdominal Pain

Pelvic pain that occurs even when you are not menstruating or ovulating can be an early symptom of ovarian cancer. The pain can feel dull, similar to menstrual cramps, or more severe, requiring you to lie down or take pain medication. Chronic pelvic pain that is not related to menstruation is not normal, regardless of the cause.

Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly

If you feel full before you have finished with an average-sized meal, and this feeling occurs frequently, then something may be wrong.

Feeling a Frequent or Urgent Need to Urinate

If you feel as though you are going to the restroom more often and have not increased your fluid intake, or you have the urge to urinate and do not actually go, then you may be at risk.

Learn more about Baptist Health Cancer Care.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells that originate in the ovaries. It's important to know that tumors developing on the ovaries can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While women of any age can develop ovarian cancer, the risk increases as you get older.

The exact causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, but researchers have a few theories. One idea is that the repeated "wear and tear" from the monthly release of an egg during ovulation could lead to genetic errors that cause cancerous cells to form. Another theory is that increased hormone levels present before and during ovulation might stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

Ovarian cancers are classified by the type of cell where they begin. The vast majority, about 90%, are epithelial tumors, which form in the thin tissue covering the ovaries and are most common in postmenopausal women.

The remaining cases are primarily split between two other types. Germ cell tumors develop from the cells that form eggs and tend to appear in younger women, often in their early 20s. Lastly, stromal tumors develop in the connective tissue cells that hold an ovary together and produce hormones.

Ovarian Cancer Stages

The stage of ovarian cancer is determined by how far the cancer has spread from its original location. A patient's stage at the time of diagnosis is the most critical factor in determining their prognosis, meaning the likely course and outcome of the disease.

In the earliest phase, Stage I, the cancer is confined entirely to one or both ovaries. The disease is considered Stage II when the tumor has grown beyond the ovaries to involve other structures within the pelvis. Ovarian cancer reaches Stage III when it has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen or to nearby lymph nodes. The most advanced stage, Stage IV, is diagnosed when the cancer has metastasized, meaning it has spread to other organs like the liver or lungs.

Are You at Risk?

Though the cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, factors raising your risk of ovarian cancer include having a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of ovarian cancer, not having children or having trouble getting pregnant, carrying a genetic mutation (BRCA gene) or being obese or older than 45.

There’s currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, and a Pap smear only detects cervical cancer. This is why it is so important to be aware of the symptoms and your personal risk factors. If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your healthcare provider. If you don't have a Baptist Health provider, you can find one with our provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

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