Noticing symptoms
Cancers and other diseases can cause symptoms. These are changes in your body that you notice. Ovarian cancers often cause changes in the way that your abdomen feels, including bloating and discomfort.
Symptoms can be caused by many illnesses, not just cancer, but it is always best to have them checked out.
What you need to know
Ovarian cancer symptoms
Some women with ovarian cancer have no symptoms early in their illness. Others have vague symptoms that can seem like other illnesses.
Symptoms that can be caused by ovarian cancer include:
- abdominal bloating and pressure
- discomfort or pain in the abdomen
- changes in bowel habits, including flatulence, constipation or diarrhoea
- changes in bladder habits such as having to pass urine more often or needing to go urgently
- feeling full after eating a small amount
- nausea and indigestion
- unexplained weight loss or putting on weight
- fatigue
- lower back pain
- bleeding between periods or after menopause
- bleeding or pain after sex.
Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but if you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP.
Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns. Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns. Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Next steps
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP. Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns.
Remember, cancers that are found earlier can be easier to treat.
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20
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Ovarian Cancer Australia1300 660 334