Don’t Ignore These 8 Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

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What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries (organs that produce eggs). It often grows quietly, spreading in the pelvis or belly before causing obvious symptoms. Early detection is important for better outcomes.

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Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

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Abdominal Bloating

If your belly feels swollen a lot—even if it comes and goes—don’t brush it off as just gas or weight gain. It could signal fluid buildup or a mass growing in your pelvis. Trust your gut (literally). 

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Pelvic or Abdominal Pain 

Ongoing pain or pressure in the lower belly or pelvis—often described as dull, aching, or stabbing—warrants attention if it lasts more than two weeks and isn’t tied to menstruation.  

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Feeling Full Quickly

If you’re unable to finish normal‑sized meals or lose appetite despite eating little, this “early fullness” may be due to tumor‑induced pressure on the stomach or digestive tract.  

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Peeing Nonstop

A sudden, urgent need to urinate or needing to go far more often than usual, can occur when an ovarian mass presses on the bladder, mimicking a urinary tract infection. 

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Unexplained Fatigue

Feeling constantly drained, weak, or unusually sleepy despite adequate rest can reflect your body diverting energy to tumor growth and inflammation over weeks or months. 

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Back Pain

Aching, stabbing, or burning pain along the lower back or spine, that is unrelated to exercise or injury. This can be a referred symptom from growing ovarian tumors pressing on nerves.

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Digestive Changes

Sate of constant constipation, diarrhea, gas, or nausea, may result from tumor pressure on your intestines or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. 

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Menstrual Irregularities

Sudden changes in your period: heavier, lighter, more painful, or irregular timing, are worth discussing with a doctor, even if they seem minor or attribute to stress.  

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When to Seek Medical Help

If any of these signs persist longer than two weeks or appear together, see your GYNECOLOGISTfor a pelvic exam and ultrasound. They can refer you to a Gynecologic Oncologist, or a specialist in female reproductive cancer

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