A board-certified doctor has shared four symptoms of ovarian cancer to watch out for, including one you may notice at mealtimes.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer in women in the UK. Around 7,500 people nationwide are diagnosed with the condition annually – this equates to about 21 people per day.
March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we are all encouraged to educate ourselves on the symptoms and effects of this condition and offer support to sufferers. Dr Suraj Kukadia – who goes by “Doctor Sooj” online – has shared four warning signs for ovarian cancer you may want to be aware of.
“Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer,” he began. “But it mostly affects those over the age of 50.” He added that the symptoms of ovarian cancer “can be non-specific” but there were a few red flags to know about.
Bloating
Frequently having a “swollen or bloated tummy” may be a symptom of ovarian cancer, Doctor Sooj explained. According to the NHS, bloating is very common and has a lot of causes, so experiencing bloating does not necessarily indicate that you have ovarian cancer.
“The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut,” the NHS website states. “This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat.”
Constipation, food intolerances, coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause bloating. If you experience bloating frequently, it could be worth visiting your GP.
Pelvic pain
Doctor Sooj added that “pain or tenderness in the pelvic region” can also be a symptom of ovarian cancer. Similar to bloating, pelvic pain is relatively common and does not necessarily indicate that you have ovarian cancer. “Most causes of pelvic pain are not serious,” the NHS says.
Constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can all cause pelvic pain, as can more serious conditions such as appendicitis and peritonitis.
Loss of appetite
You may start to notice this symptom at mealtimes. Doctor Sooj went on to say that a loss of appetite or “feeling really full really quickly” can both be symptoms of ovarian cancer. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many types of cancer as well as other conditions.
As we age, our appetite also naturally decreases.
Changes to toilet habits
Needing to pee more often or having an urgent need to pee frequently can also be a symptom of ovarian cancer, according to Doctor Sooj. He later added that a change in bowel habits can also be a sign of the condition.
Doctor Sooj said that if these symptoms happen “roughly 12 or more times a month,” it could be time to visit your doctor. He added that other “non-specific” symptoms include back pain, losing weight without trying and feeling tired all the time.
According to the NHS, other symptoms of ovarian cancer can also include indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea, and bleeding from the vagina after the menopause.
A non-specific symptom refers to a symptom that is not specific to a single medical condition. This means that just because you have these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have ovarian cancer.
If you’re concerned, it’s important to speak to your GP. You can find more information about ovarian cancer on the NHS website.