Symptoms

Main symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:

• a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
• pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between your hips (pelvic pain)
• no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
• an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• indigestion
• constipation or diarrhoea
• back pain
• feeling tired all the time
• losing weight without trying
• unusual bleeding from the vagina, including between periods, heavier periods or after the menopause

See a GP if:

Important

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

But it's still important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it's more treatable.

What happens at the GP appointment

You will be asked about your health and symptoms. Tell the GP if anyone in your family has or had ovarian or breast cancer.

The GP may arrange a blood test to check for a protein that's sometimes linked to ovarian cancer. If the level of this protein is high, you'll have an ultrasound scan of your abdomen and pelvis.

The GP or practice nurse may ask to examine you. You can ask for a female doctor or nurse when you book your appointment.

You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.

The examination may involve:

• gently putting a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see inside this area - this cannot detect ovarian cancer but can check for other causes of symptoms
• pressing on your tummy and inside your vagina, to check for lumps or tender or sore areas

It should not be too painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP or nurse if you are feeling uncomfortable.

You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your exam if you want.

Important

You are in control and can ask the doctor to stop at any time.

Referral to a specialist

The GP or practice nurse may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

They may arrange for you to have a blood test to check for a protein called CA125 that's sometimes linked to ovarian cancer. If the level of this protein is high, you'll have an ultrasound scan of your abdomen and pelvis.

You may get an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP or nurse thinks you may have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Find out more

• Cancer Research UK: seeing a GP about symptoms of ovarian cancer

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