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8 Silent Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Read Time: 2 minutes

Woman holding stomach with red glow over her hands

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest women鈥檚 cancers, even though it is not one of the most common. Only 16% of ovarian cancer cases are found in the early stages. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. The symptoms are vague, and there is no effective screening to find ovarian cancer early.

The ovaries are in the pelvis near the intestines and bladder. That means ovarian cancer symptoms can appear to be common stomach or bladder problems. Bloating, fatigue, and back pain seem like everyday annoyances, not signs of cancer.

Theresa Werner, MD

鈥淢any patients attribute these symptoms to growing older or going through menopause and don鈥檛 seek medical attention early on. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, and if they persist or get worse over time, please call your doctor to schedule a medical appointment.鈥

Theresa Werner, MD
Oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute

Possible Signs of Ovarian Cancer

1. Loss of Appetite

A poor appetite or a feeling of fullness after even a light meal.

2. Constant fatigue

Constant fatigue that interferes with your daily life.

3. Changes in bathroom habits

Changes in bathroom habits, including a need to urinate more urgently or often, or changes in bowel habits and stool consistency.

4. Weight gain or loss

Weight gain or weight loss, without making changes to diet or exercise.

5. Upset stomach

An upset stomach. Ovarian cancer can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, constipation, cramps, and abdominal pain.

6. Pain or pressure

Pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower back or pelvic area.

7. Vaginal discomfort

Vaginal discomfort, including pain during intercourse.

8. Abnormal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.

If you have questions about ovarian cancer symptoms or any other cancer topic, contact Huntsman Cancer Institute's Cancer Learning Center:

Cancer touches all of us.