The Mayo Clinic addresses overlooked ovarian cancer signs in women, noting its early detection challenges due to vague symptoms often confused with digestive, urinary, or gynecologic issues. These symptoms, common in daily life, require attention when they change. Recognizing shifts in one’s health is key, as ovarian cancer’s subtle nature makes early identification difficult without noticeable, persistent alterations in well-being.
Overlooked Symptoms to Watch For
Occasional indigestion or abdominal fullness usually isn’t a reason for alarm. When a symptom is new, different from what’s normal or doesn’t go away, it’s important to pay attention. Five signs that can be easily overlooked include persistent heartburn or indigestion. Heartburn is common, so it’s easy to reach for an over-the-counter antacid and move on. However, persistent indigestion sometimes can be associated with ovarian cancer. In the past, ovarian cancer symptoms were described as being “hidden” by prolonged antacid use because women might treat what seems like routine heartburn for months without investigating why it continues.
Bloating or abdominal distension is another potential sign. Most people experience bloating occasionally. With ovarian cancer, a woman may notice ongoing abdominal fullness that wasn’t there before. The sensation may be difficult to describe. Because this symptom can develop gradually, it may be easy to dismiss. Feeling full after eating only a small amount can also be concerning. A woman may sit down for a meal and find that after only a few bites, she feels as though she’s eaten enough. It could be a concern if this happens repeatedly and represents a change in appetite or eating pattern.
Ovarian cancer may also cause symptoms more likely related to the bladder. A woman may need to urinate more frequently or feel as though her bladder hasn’t completely emptied after going to the bathroom. Urinary changes can have many causes, but new or ongoing changes deserve attention. A woman who has been fairly regular throughout her life may suddenly notice more constipation, occasional diarrhea or another significant change in bowel habits. As with the other symptoms, an isolated episode generally isn’t a concern.
Changes in menstrual cycles also shouldn’t automatically be dismissed. Irregular cycles can be common during perimenopause and menopause. While menstrual changes are more commonly associated with uterine, endometrial or cervical cancers, ovarian cancer also can be associated with changes such as more frequent or heavier cycles or increased menstrual pain.
Risk Factors and Screening Limitations
By the time symptoms become noticeable, the cancer may no longer be at an early stage. There also isn’t a routine ovarian cancer screening recommendation for the general population comparable to mammograms for breast cancer or screening for colorectal cancer. Tests such as the CA-125 blood test and pelvic ultrasound can be useful in certain situations, including for some people at higher risk, but these tests have limitations and can produce false-positive or false-negative results.
Women are at higher risk if they have inherited gene changes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. They may also face increased risk from several other gene changes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer, such as those associated with Lynch syndrome and the genes BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D. A family history of ovarian cancer, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, and early or late menstruation contribute to raised risk.
Understanding the Warning Signs
The most important takeaway is to know what’s normal for your body. Digestive discomfort, bloating and urinary changes are common and usually aren’t caused by ovarian cancer. But if you have symptoms that are new, persistent, distinctly different from your usual pattern or don’t feel right, talk with your healthcare team. An evaluation can help determine the cause and whether additional testing is needed. Sandeep Basu, M.D., from Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and Menomonie, Wisconsin, emphasizes that awareness is particularly important given the difficulty in early detection.