How much abdominal bloating is cause for concern?
I know that it’s a key indicator for ovarian cancer. Some days, I’m very bloated and it’s painful. Abdominal bloating is only one of five different symptoms that can be related to ovarian cancer according to a study by Dr. Goff published in 2004. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, back pain, increase in abdominal size and change in urinary habits. Women who presented with ovarian cancer had some or all of these symptoms. There is no specific frequency of bloating that would put you at significantly increased risk, but having it evaluated is reasonable. If you are postmenopausal, a CA-125 test and an ultrasound are appropriate tests to have performed and that can be addressed with your doctor or care provider. If you are premenopausal, an ultrasound alone is a reasonable test.
