Ovarian cancer symptoms
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, please consult your health care practitioner.
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Increased abdominal size and bloating
- Difficulty eating and feeling full
Other symptoms may include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Indigestion or gas
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Unusual fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Shortness of breath
- Low back pain
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
- Women with close relatives with ovarian cancer, such as your mother, sister or daughter, especially if she was diagnosed before the age of 40. Having several family members with ovarian or breast cancer also increases risk.
- Women with a personal history of cancer of the breast, uterus, colon or rectum, or a family history of these cancers.
- Women over 55 years of age.
- Women who have never been pregnant.
- Women who have been taking estrogen after menopause for at least 10 years.
- Obese women, particularly if they carry excess weight around the waist.
- It used to be believed that fertility drugs increased a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer. Using talcum powder in the vaginal area was also considered a possible risk factor, but neither of these is now felt to produce significant risk.
Can I reduce my risk?
Yes — the following may reduce your risk:
- The use of birth control pills (substantial reduction if used for five years or more)
- Having children and breast feeding
- Having your tubes tied
- Having a simple hysterectomy (removal of the uterus only)
- Eating plenty of vegetables, especially green leafy veggies
- Having your ovaries removed, especially for women at high risk of ovarian cancer. This substantially lowers risk, though does not eliminate it completely.
