SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms that are common for other less serious medical problems, so it is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see your doctor or other health care professional. Ovarian cancer may cause the following signs and symptoms— Bloating.Vaginal bleeding (particularly if you are past menopause), or discharge from your vagina that is not normal for you.Pain or pressure in the abdomen, back or pelvic area.Bloating or swollen abdomen.Nausea, indigestion, gas,Constipation or diarrhea.Feeling full too quickly, or difficulty eating.A change in your bathroom habits, such as more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation.Feeling very tired all the time.Shortness of breath. A recent study by the charity Target Ovarian Cancer indicates that an alarmingly LOW percentage of women recognize persistent bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer. Only 34% said that they would see a doctor about bloating while most said they would just change their eating habits. It is this low level of awareness that makes early detection so extremely difficult. If you have any of the signs for a few weeks and they are not normal for you, see a doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to be thoroughly checked out by your doctor. Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you and be persistent if you are not getting answers with which you are comfortable. The American Cancer Society very clearly states that “By the time ovarian cancer is considered as a possible cause of these symptoms, it usually has already spread beyond the ovaries. Also, some types of ovarian cancer can rapidly spread to the surface of nearby organs. Still, prompt attention to symptoms may improve the odds of early diagnosis and successful treatment. If you have symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer almost daily for more than a few weeks, and they can't be explained by other more common conditions, report them to your health care professional -- preferably a gynecologist -- right away.”