Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

It is important to know the symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer so that you know when to go to your primary care provider for an exam. When a person’s ovarian cancer is found before it has spread beyond the ovary, more than 90% of women survive at least five years.

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Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be ovarian cancer. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine. 

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms 

Physicians used to think ovarian cancer had no symptoms. It was sometimes called a “silent” disease. But research by Barbara Goff, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center suggests this is not true, and many women may have early symptoms that are missed or not noticed. This might be because the symptoms are vague, and they are issues many people have off and on, even without cancer.

Ovarian cancer symptoms may include:

  • Bloating
  • Feeling full even after a light meal
  • A change in bowel habits, like constipation
  • Needing to urinate often
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in your period, like irregular bleeding
  • Vaginal bleeding with intercourse

“If these are new symptoms that persist for at least three weeks, you should talk to your physician,” Dr. Goff said. She along with others at Fred Hutch developed an ovarian cancer symptom-screening tool, which led to guidelines that physicians use to assess symptoms.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

  • Gastrointestinal problems, like pressure, gas, heartburn or upset stomach
  • A lump in the pelvic area
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain

The same signs or symptoms may be caused by other conditions that aren’t cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer, let your primary care provider or gynecologist know. They can help you figure out the cause.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Signs FAQ

Often, ovarian cancer is advanced before a woman has any signs or symptoms that might cause concern. This may mean it has been developing for a while, although some types spread quickly. Among people with the most common type of ovarian cancer — epithelial ovarian cancer — almost 70% are diagnosed when the disease is advanced and has spread to the abdomen or beyond.

Your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms, your health history and your family history. They may ask about factors that might put you at risk for cancer or other conditions that might cause the same symptoms. They’ll examine you to check for clues about what’s been bothering you. Your provider will probably do a general physical exam and then a pelvic exam. Based on your conversation and exam, your provider may order tests to get more information. Learn more about diagnosis.