Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are quite vague and can be mistaken for general illness. The difference is if the symptoms are new, quite severe and don’t come and go. If you have any of the symptoms below happening on most days for 3 weeks or more, please visit your GP.

Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (cancer is completely inside the ovary)

-          Pain in the lower abdomen or side
-          Bloated, full feeling in the abdomen

Stage 2 and 3 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (tumour is growing in the area between hip bones)

-          Irregular periods or vaginal bleeding after menopause
-          Lower tummy (abdominal) pain
-          Back pain
-          Passing urine more often than usual
-          Constipation
-          Pain during sex
-          A swollen abdomen
-          Feeling of fullness or loss of appetite

Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (cancer has spread to a distant body organ)

-          Loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
-          Feeling or being sick
-          Constipation
-          Tiredness
-          Shortness of breath
-          Noticeable swelling of the abdomen

The campaign for this year’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is called #StartMakingNoise – so please share this with your loved ones. Shout about the symptoms. Early diagnosis saves lives.

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Sources: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/ovarian-cancer/about/ovarian-cancer-symptoms
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/ovarian-cancer/about/ovarian-cancer-risks-and-causes