Ovarian cancer is the cancer of the ovaries – the two almond-shaped organs which are on either side of the uterus, situated deep in the abdominal cavity. Ovarian cancer does not always show clear symptoms in the early stages and can be challenging to detect. Only around 15% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages of cancer. 

Some of the early symptoms which are commonly felt and should not be ignored are.

1. Bloating
Most women with ovarian cancer experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the belly. The pelvic region feels bloated like you feel around your monthly cycle. The bloating continues even after your menstrual cycle. Do not ignore persistent or recurrent bloating or if it does not get better after your periods, or even with medication or home remedies.

2. Feeling full soon after eating
You may feel full quicker than before and even after having small portions of your meal. There is a considerable loss of appetite too. If you feel you cannot eat like before and leave your meal unfinished, consult your doctor at the earliest. If there is no digestive disorder, check with your gynecologist for a physical examination to rule out any reproductive system cancer.

3. A frequent need to urinate
Your urination frequency increases, and there is constant pressure or pain in the urinary bladder. You may keep feeling a sudden urge to urinate frequently. These symptoms may be UTI. Get yourself checked, and if UTI is ruled out, don’t hesitate to go for a consultation with your gynecologist and inform them about your concerns, and get a checkup of the reproductive system to rule out cancer.

4. Back pain
Prolonged back pain in the pelvic and lower back area is an early warning symptom of ovarian cancer. Constant or intermittent pain that continues for more than a couple of weeks and pain cannot be attributed to any other underlying cause like a muscle tear due to injury because of ovarian cancer. If other factors like injury and stress-related issues are ruled out as causes of the pain, you must go for a pelvic exam and a scan to check your ovaries.

5. Menstrual changes
Ovarian cancer can cause changes to your menstrual cycle. The tumor can interrupt your regular period cycle. The menstrual flow might get heavy, or the cycle might be less frequent, or you might go without your periods for a few months. Do not ignore these symptoms for menopause if you are above 40. Immediately consult your doctor to rule out the risk of a possible tumor in the ovaries. Spotting between periods is also common.

6. Changes in bowel movement
Ovarian cancer can affect your bowel movement by causing constipation or diarrhea. The symptoms can alternate between the two. You may feel bloated and nauseous. If you have bowel-related issues, check with a gastrointestinal specialist. If there is no problem with your digestive system, ensure that you get checked for ovarian cancer.

7. Painful intercourse
If sex suddenly gets painful and the pain continues for more than a few weeks, consult your doctor and get a diagnosis to avoid any complications in the future.