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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.

In This Section

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.

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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.

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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.

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Additional Resources

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

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Detection & Diagnosis

Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis

Learn more about diagnosis

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Prevention & Risk

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

Learn more about prevention

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