Q&A: What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Get to know your body and know what to watch for.
About 21,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed every year in the U.S. It is one of the more serious gynecologic cancers with just a 51 percent five-year survival rate.
You might not have any symptoms until the cancer is advanced. That’s why it’s important to get to know your body. Pay close attention to when something doesn’t feel right.
Common early symptoms of ovarian cancer
Here are some common early symptoms of ovarian cancer to watch for:
- Pressure or pain in your belly or hip area.
- Bloating.
- Feeling the need to pee urgently or often.
- Constipation (difficulty pooping).
- Feeling full quickly or having trouble eating.
There are other symptoms — equally vague — that could be caused by other things.
You might chalk these up to an upset stomach or what you’ve eaten. Or you might think new bathroom habits are part of getting older.
That’s rarely the case. It’s better to not write off any symptoms. If you notice something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out.
Your doctor can use blood work or imaging tests to see what’s causing your symptoms. And then create a treatment plan to help you feel better — whether it’s due to ovarian cancer or something else.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer
If cancer runs in your family, you don’t have to wait for symptoms. You might choose to be more cautious.
Talk with your doctor about your risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as:
- Family history of ovarian cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister).
- Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
- Other hereditary conditions, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC; also called Lynch syndrome).
- Endometriosis.
- Early menarche (start of monthly periods before age12).
- Late menopause (after age 52).
- Nulliparity (not having children).
- Exposure to asbestos.
- Pelvic radiation.
You can work with your healthcare team to explore ways to reduce your risk.
Allison L. Higgins MD
Dr. Higgins grew up in Texas and received her B.A. in biology at Mount Holyoke College, then earned her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. She completed her OB/Gyn residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1995 and moved to the Pacific Northwest. She loves this corner of the world with both mountains and ocean nearby. Dr. Higgins has been in this community now for over 30 years, and the best part of her job is getting to know patients and participating in their care starting from when they first start having babies all the way to menopause. Her special interests include preventive health care, minimally invasive surgery, and family planning options. When not at work, Dr. Higgins stays busy with her husband and two dogs, and she enjoys hiking, gardening, and riding her Peloton bike. She also wants to take up golfing now that she is an empty nester. Dr. Higgins is happily accepting new patients. Please call to make an appointment.
