For women of all ages, especially those over 40, understanding and recognizing the early red flags can be life-saving.
According to the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, nearly 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year worldwide. In India, it’s the third most common cancer among women and one of the deadliest due to late detection.
But with awareness, early diagnosis is possible—and powerful.
Here are five early warning signs of ovarian cancer that every woman should keep on her radar.
1. Persistent Bloating
Everyone feels bloated occasionally, especially during menstruation or after a heavy meal. But if your belly feels constantly swollen or tight for more than two weeks, it could be a red flag.
What to watch for: Your clothes fitting tighter around the waist, or a visibly distended abdomen.
Why it matters: Tumors in the ovaries can lead to fluid buildup or inflammation in the abdomen, mimicking bloating.
When to act: If bloating doesn’t resolve with lifestyle changes or keeps returning, consult a doctor.
2. Frequent Urge to Urinate
An increased need to urinate or feeling like you can’t hold it in can easily be misread as a urinary tract infection or just increased water intake. But when it becomes a pattern, especially without a clear cause, it's time to pay attention.
What to watch for: Needing to pee more than usual, or feeling an urgent need even when your bladder isn’t full.
Why it matters: Ovarian tumors can press against the bladder, altering normal urinary habits.
When to act: If urinary urgency comes on suddenly and lasts more than a few days, especially without pain or infection.
3. Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
This is one of the trickiest symptoms to interpret. Many women dismiss pelvic discomfort as menstrual cramps, indigestion, or stress. But chronic or sharp pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area should not be brushed off.
What to watch for: Ongoing cramping, aching, or pain that persists for weeks and doesn’t align with your usual cycle.
Why it matters: Pain may indicate tumor growth or pressure on surrounding organs.
When to act: If the pain is new, frequent, or intensifying over time, speak to a gynaecologist.
4. Feeling Full Quickly While Eating
Known medically as early satiety, this is when you feel full after eating only a small amount. While it might sound like a weight loss win, in reality, it’s often a signal that something is off.
What to watch for: Loss of appetite, needing fewer meals, or feeling full before finishing your normal portion.
Why it matters: A growing ovarian tumor can impact digestion and stomach capacity.
When to act: If reduced appetite or fullness lasts longer than two weeks without any changes to diet or routine.
5. Unexplained Fatigue or Weight Loss
We all have days where we feel drained. But if you're constantly tired, sluggish, or dropping weight without trying, your body could be signaling something more serious.
What to watch for: Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, or losing weight unintentionally.
Why it matters: Cancer cells can cause systemic inflammation and interfere with nutrient absorption.
When to act: If fatigue is affecting your daily life or weight loss happens without lifestyle changes, it's time to investigate.
Why Early Detection Matters
Unlike cervical or breast cancer, ovarian cancer currently has no reliable screening test for early stages. That makes awareness of symptoms even more vital. Research shows that up to 90% of women report early symptoms, but they’re often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
If you notice multiple symptoms from the list above persisting for two weeks or more, don’t delay. Keep track of your symptoms in a journal and consult a gynaecologist or healthcare provider for further evaluation. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and even save lives.
Quick Self-Checklist:
Are my symptoms new and persistent?
Are they happening almost daily for more than two weeks?
Do they interfere with my daily routine or cause distress?
If yes to any of these, don’t hesitate. Advocate for your health—you know your body best.
Your body whispers before it screams. In a world that often tells women to “push through the pain,” listening to your own physical and emotional cues is an act of radical self-care. Share this with a friend, sister, or mother—because spreading awareness might just save a life.
