Skip to content

Understanding Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Signs & Symptoms

Ovarian cancer may have symptoms, but they are often very subtle and can be mistaken for other, more common problems. Learn more about ovarian cancer and its symptoms below.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle or vague, such as the following:

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

These symptoms may also be associated with many common conditions. Persistent symptoms that are new or unusual for you warrant a visit to your doctor.

Find a doctor

About Prevention & Genetic Testing

Though knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be useful in hastening diagnosis, studies show that identifying ovarian cancer early does not save lives. It is important for individuals to know their risk, including family history, and that there are tools that can help prevent ovarian cancer. OCRA offers free genetic testing kits for those who qualify.

Less Common Symptoms

Other symptoms reported by ovarian cancer patients are less specific and can be common in the general population. These include:

  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion
  • Back pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual irregularities

These symptoms alone are not reliable indicators of ovarian cancer but should be discussed with a doctor if persistent and unusual for you.

Find a doctor

Additional Resources

For comprehensive information on ovarian cancer diagnosis, risk, and prevention, explore the resources below.

Default Alt

Detection & Diagnosis

Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis

Learn more about diagnosis

Default Alt

Prevention & Risk

Learn about the factors that contribute to ovarian cancer risk and explore prevention strategies to reduce your risk.

Learn more about prevention

Related Topics

April Programs: New Offerings, Fresh Topics, and More

April Programs: New Offerings, Fresh Topics, and More

April is a full month at OCRA, with several new programs joining our ongoing lineup of workshops, educational sessions, and community events. Whether you’re looking for practical guidance, clinical information, or simply a chance to connect and create, there’s something here for you. New and Expanded Programs Advanced Care Planning Workshop Series April 6, 13, … Continued

Read more

OCRA’s Advocate’s Corner: March 2026

OCRA’s Advocate’s Corner: March 2026

Written by Julia Thayer, Associate Director, Advocacy This month, more than 120 OCRA Advocate Leaders traveled to Washington, DC for Advocacy Day—braving snowstorms, severe weather, and even a partial government shutdown to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. We kicked things off with a full day of training, where the group built skills, shared stories, and … Continued

Read more

OCRA’s Spring Advocacy Day Brings Impact to Capitol Hill

OCRA’s Spring Advocacy Day Brings Impact to Capitol Hill

On March 17, 122 Advocate Leaders from nearly 40 states and Washington, DC, converged on Capitol Hill for OCRA’s Spring Advocacy Day. Together, they held 158 meetings with Congressional offices, carrying a clear message: Congress must sustain and build on its commitment to ovarian and gynecologic cancer research. The energy and reach of this year’s … Continued

Read more

Stay Informed

Get email updates about research news, action alerts, and ways to join the fight.

We care about your data. Read our privacy policy.