Experiencing this common symptom after eating could indicate cancer.
There are numerous types of cancer, each with its own unique signs and symptoms to be aware of. Some present more noticeable symptoms like blood in your stool potentially signalling bowel cancer or checking for breast lumps as an early detection method for breast cancer.
However, as one NHS GP has highlighted, some cancers can be much more difficult to identify due to their symptoms being easily dismissed as less serious conditions. Dr Shireen has expressed her particular concern about ovarian cancer, wishing that everyone was more familiar with its symptoms. It’s often diagnosed too late because many of its symptoms are so commonplace in daily life that they don’t raise any red flags.
In a TikTok video, Dr Shireen pointed out that symptoms of ovarian cancer often mimic stomach issues, leading them to be easily overlooked as something related to diet. Common symptoms such as bloating or reduced appetite are things some women experience daily without giving it a second thought.
The GP explained: “Typically, ovarian cancer causes symptoms like bloating, generally feeling unwell, abdominal discomfort, pelvic discomfort, feeling full quickly after meals, or feeling an urge to pass urine more frequently. The issue is that women might put these symptoms down to being perimenopausal or menopausal; it might be something they’ve eaten, or they might think they’ve got a grumbling urine infection.
“Unfortunately, ovarian cancer isn’t normally the top priority, and as a result, they might present too late, and we know with cancer that the sooner you present, the better in terms of prognosis. For us as GPs, if someone came in with those symptoms, we would do a blood test to test for a tumour marker called CA125 and also do an ultrasound scan. It is really quite easy for us to do the preliminary tests to check for it, but we need people to come in.”
Ovarian cancer mostly affects women over the age of 50, although anyone with ovaries can develop it. You can still get it even if you’ve had your ovaries removed because it can also affect your fallopian tubes.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Finding ovarian cancer early is vital for effective treatment. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include having any of the following roughly 12 or more times in a month:
- a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
- no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
Other symptoms can also include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
When to see a GP
If you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer, it’s crucial to see a GP. The NHS advocates: “These symptoms 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.”
During your visit, the GP might arrange for an ultrasound to examine your ovaries, and there’s a possibility of being referred to a specialist at the hospital if cancer is suspected, though it doesn’t necessarily confirm its presence.
For more information on ovarian cancer, visit the NHS website or Cancer Research UK. You can also phone the Cancer Research nurse helpline at 0808 800 4040 or seek help from Macmillan Cancer Support at 0808 808 00 00.