Learn six possible warning signs of ovarian cancer, including persistent bloating, pelvic pain, urinary changes, and unusual bleeding. Discover when these symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognize because its early symptoms may be subtle and easily mistaken for digestive, urinary, or menstrual problems. Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have ovarian cancer—many common, non-cancerous conditions can cause them. However, symptoms that are new, persistent, or getting worse deserve medical attention.
1. Persistent Bloating or Abdominal Swelling
Occasional bloating is common. The concern is persistent or increasing abdominal bloating or swelling, particularly when it doesn’t improve as expected.
Some people describe feeling unusually full or noticing that their abdomen is becoming larger.
2. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
Unexplained pain or pressure in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or abdomen can occur with ovarian cancer.
Pain that repeatedly returns, persists, or is accompanied by other symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
3. Feeling Full Quickly
Another possible warning sign is getting full unusually quickly when eating or having difficulty eating a normal-sized meal.
This can sometimes occur alongside bloating or abdominal discomfort.
4. Changes in Urination
Some people may experience:
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Urinary urgency
- Pressure around the bladder
These symptoms are much more commonly caused by conditions such as urinary infections or other bladder problems, so they don’t automatically indicate ovarian cancer.
5. Changes in Bowel Habits
Persistent changes such as constipation, diarrhea, or a change in bowel pattern can occur.
Because digestive conditions are extremely common, persistent bowel symptoms should be evaluated rather than assuming they are cancer-related.
6. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
Bleeding that is unusual for you—particularly bleeding after menopause—should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Unusual vaginal discharge can also occur, although it has many possible causes.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
The key isn’t simply whether you have one symptom. Pay attention to symptoms that are:
New + persistent + unusual for you + occurring repeatedly.
If you’ve experienced unexplained bloating, pelvic/abdominal pain, early fullness, urinary or bowel changes, or unusual bleeding for several weeks, make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist.
One Important Point
There is currently no reliable screening test recommended for ovarian cancer in women who have no symptoms and are not at high genetic risk. Tests such as CA-125 blood testing and transvaginal ultrasound may be used when a doctor is evaluating concerning symptoms, but they are not perfect screening tests.
If you have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or know that you carry a genetic mutation associated with increased ovarian-cancer risk, discuss your individual risk with a healthcare professional.
Bottom line: These symptoms are common and usually have causes other than ovarian cancer. But if they’re persistent, worsening, or unusual for you, don’t ignore them—getting evaluated early is the safest approach.