Ovarian cancer
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer can be hard to spot at first, as there may be no symptoms or only mild, vague symptoms early on.
Symptoms include:
- Bloated feeling
- Persistent swollen tummy
- Pain or dragging sensation in your lower abdomen (tummy), back or legs
- Vague indigestion or nausea
- Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
- Changes in your bowel or bladder habits: e.g. constipation or needing to pass water urgently.
- Feeling tired all the time
- Irregular periods or bleeding after menopause
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding (rare)
All these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to go to the GP and get any unusual changes checked.
Can I be screened for ovarian cancer?
Testing for ovarian cancer when you have no symptoms is called screening. There is no national ovarian screening programme in Ireland at present this is because there is no reliable test that can accurately detect ovarian cancer in the early stages in the general public.
Ovarian cancer risk may be higher in those who have a risky BRCA gene mutation in their family. Screening or risk-reducing surgery will be offered if you are considered at increased risk. Screening involves a referral to a gynaecologist for an ultrasound scan and a tumour-marker blood test called a ca125. It will be offered to women and people assigned female at birth with increased risk every year from the age of 35.
Unfortunately there is no convincing evidence to show screening for early ovarian cancer is effective. Your gynaecologist will discuss the pros and cons of such screening and allow you to make your own decision.
Talk to your GP if you’re worried about ovarian cancer. We have more information on genes and cancer.
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