Six silent symptoms of ovarian cancer that most people ignore

Ovarian cancer affects 7,400 women in the UK each year, and early detection only accounts to one in five cases.

These statistics are scary, but if you tune into your body and notice any of these six silent symptoms, you could improve your outlook or even save your own life.

Ovarian cancer has no current screening process, which means that you’ll usually know that you have it when it has spread to other areas of the body and the symptoms are hard to ignore.

The cancer occurs in your ovaries, on either side of the womb, close to the fallopian tubes, or it can begin in a layer of tissue called the peritoneum, which supports the ovaries.

If cancer is found there, you’ll begin treatment, which can be surgical, chemotherapy or targeted therapies to ensure that you’re cancer free.

But first, you need to recognise the symptoms to be able to seek help.

Abdominal bloating

You might be bloated (Getty Stock Images)

According to the National Library of Medicine, bloating is the second most commonly reported symptom that people notice before a cancer diagnosis.

This could be bloating before or after eating, or particularly when you’re on your period.

It also can cause a buildup of fluid buildup inside the belly as the cancer begins to spread.

Pelvic or stomach pain and other feelings

If you feel pressure, cramping, or pain in your pelvis or abdominals, you may need to call your GP.

This is because it is the most commonly reported symptom of ovarian cancer, and then bloating comes in next.

Do you feel full? (Getty Stock Images)

While some believe it feels like menstrual cramps, others feel like it’s a different sensation all together.

So, if you notice it at all, it’s safer to get checked.

Feeling full

There’s nothing wrong with feeling full after a large meal, but if you ate a light bight and feel stuffed, this could mean that there is fluid buildup that is caused by ovarian cancer.

Pain or bloating can be an issue (Getty Stock Images)

Urinary changes

There are many reasons as to why a person will go through bladder changes in their life, but if you experience any of these things, calling on the advice of a professional couldn’t hurt.

As the ovaries are close to the bladder, ovarian cancer can cause frequent urination, leaking, needing to pee with urgency, or pain or pressure in the bladder.

Changes to your cycle

In 2022, a report found that 13 per cent of people noted vaginal bleeding as a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Bleeding or spotting between your periods, or after menopause can be a cause for concern.

Or changes to your discharge which are not normal for you can also be a red flag.

Bowel changes are a red flag (Getty Stock Images)

Bowel changes

It’s not just the bladder that can be affected by ovarian cancer, as a tumour could put pressure on your intestines, causing indigestion, constipation, and even diarrhoea.

It can also make you tired, give you back pain, make you bleed after sex or have painful sex, and it can make you lose or gain weight.

While there are many symptoms that are associated with ovarian cancer, if you notice even one, it’s better to be seen by a doctor, than to ignore the signs.