What are some of the symptoms or potential signs of ovarian cancer?
While the symptoms of ovarian cancer (particularly in the early stages) are often not acute or intense, they are not always silent; they whisper, so listen. Some ongoing symptoms of ovarian cancer include: • Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; • Vague, but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; • Frequency and /or urgency of urination in absence of an infection; • Unexplained changes in bowel habits; • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss, particularly weight gain in the abdominal region; • Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness; • Pain during intercourse; • Ongoing unusual fatigue; • Abnormal postmenopausal bleeding (this symptom is rare). BACK TO TOP What are some diagnostic tests that can be used to detect ovarian cancer? No consistently reliable, accurate screening test to detect ovarian cancer exists. The Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. The following tests are available: • Mandatory annual vaginal exam
