Five ovarian cancer warning signs every woman needs to know and should never ignore

Ovarian cancer has long been referred to as a "silent killer" — its earliest symptoms are frequently vague, easily dismissed, and all too often attributed to less serious conditions.

It is also one of eleven cancers currently on the rise, with increasing numbers of young women developing the disease. Experts from Imperial College London believe rising obesity rates and smoking are likely contributing factors.

With approximately 7,700 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year and just 40% of women surviving ten or more years after diagnosis, awareness of the warning signs has never been more important.

Around 4,000 women die from the disease annually, largely because it is typically caught at a late stage when treatment is considerably more difficult.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer develops when abnormal cells in the ovaries or fallopian tubes begin to grow and divide, eventually forming a tumour. If not detected early, cancer cells can spread into surrounding tissue and other areas of the body, where the disease becomes far harder to treat.

Because of the ovaries' position deep within the pelvis, symptoms can easily be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, or urinary tract infections.

The five warning signs

Persistent bloating — Whilst many women experience bloating at various points, ovarian cancer tends to cause bloating that is continuous and unrelated to specific foods.

Research from Imperial College London found that women later diagnosed with the disease were buying over-the-counter indigestion remedies up to eight months before their diagnosis. "If it's happening most days or doesn't improve, it's important to take note," says Dr Asiya Maula, an NHS GP.

Irregular bleeding — Spotting or bleeding between periods is one of the most commonly overlooked early warning signs. Women frequently assume their cycle has shifted, but when this occurs alongside other symptoms such as persistent bloating — particularly if it is unusual for you — it warrants a conversation with your GP.

Frequent urination — As ovarian tumours grow, they can press against the bladder, reducing its capacity and creating a more frequent urge to urinate. A build-up of fluid in the abdomen can also place additional pressure on the bladder. When experienced alongside unexplained weight changes and abdominal pain, this symptom should not be ignored.

Feeling full quickly — Feeling satisfied after eating only a small amount may occur when ovarian tumours press against the stomach and digestive organs. "If someone finds they are getting full much more quickly than usual, or struggling to finish meals, that can be a sign something isn't quite right," says Dr Maula.

Persistent abdominal pain — Ongoing discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area is frequently mistaken for period pain or constipation. However, it can also result from tumour growth or the spread of cancer. "Even if the pain is mild, it's the consistency and persistence that matters," Dr Maula advises.

When to see a doctor

None of these symptoms individually confirms cancer, but patterns matter. Symptoms that are new, frequent, or worsening should always be assessed. "If any of these symptoms are unusual for you, occur together or are ongoing, it's always worth speaking to a GP," says Dr Maula.

How to reduce your risk

Risk increases sharply from around age 45 as women approach the menopause. Those who began menstruating early, experienced a late menopause, or have not had children may face a higher risk. Women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) face a very slight increase in risk, though this diminishes once treatment stops.

Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and avoiding asbestos can all help. The combined contraceptive pill is thought to offer a protective effect lasting at least 30 years after use ceases, and having children also appears to reduce risk.

The case for screening

There is currently no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK. It is typically diagnosed through scans and biopsies. However, researchers in both the UK and the United States are developing a blood test capable of detecting what ovarian cancer releases into the bloodstream at its earliest stages — a development that could significantly improve outcomes and reduce costs to health systems.