Doctor reveals early warning signs of ovarian cancer you should never ignore

The chance of cancer is always scary, and ovarian cancer is no exception — especially if you don’t keep a lookout for its key warnings.

One GP’s candid Instagram video has been doing just that after she opened up about a case that challenged what she thought she knew about ovarian cancer.

In the social media video, Dr Nighat Arif begins by saying: “I picked up ovarian cancer in its early stages in a 28-year-old and this is not a bragging post”, before explaining she reflected on mistakes and wanted to share what she learned.

She added: “I had to unlearn quite a lot of things that I had believed as a doctor that ovarian cancer could only be picked up in its late stages and that it's really difficult to detect in its early stages.”

Her message centred around recognising symptoms sooner rather than assuming they’re something else.

Doctor Arif urges women to track persistent symptoms and speak to their GP early (ruizluquepaz/Getty Images)

According to the GP, some warning signs are often mistaken for everyday digestive issues, which can delay people seeking help from health professionals.

Dr Arif explained: “There are four main ovarian cancer symptoms that should never be missed,” stressing the importance of noticing changes that persist for more than three weeks rather than symptoms that come and go.

The first is ‘persistent bloating, so it doesn't come and go, it's persistent, and it lasts longer than three weeks'.

She also highlighted ‘difficulty eating or feeling full more quickly', alongside ‘needing to pee more frequently’ due to a sudden feeling of pressure on the bladder.

Another sign to watch for is pain around the tummy or thighs, describing: "This new pain is something you've never expected or had before.”

Beyond the main four symptoms, she mentions other possible changes, including exhaustion, unexplained weight loss, and lower back pain.

Persistent bloating and pelvic pain are among key warning signs to watch (We Are/Getty Images)

The doctor also reassured viewers that speaking to a GP is never a waste of time, adding that there are simple checks available if symptoms raise concern.

She explained further: “There are simple tests that can be done to detect ovarian cancer early, such as a transvaginal ultrasound scan, and it's done with a blood test called CA125, which might be some of the first investigations that your doctor might want to think about."

Her advice ultimately encourages people to trust their instincts, keep track of symptoms and seek medical advice if something feels different, reminding viewers that ‘age is never the determining factor for picking up ovarian cancer early.’

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.