This symptom is sometimes called “early satiety” — you feel full after eating little or lose your appetite altogether. While occasional appetite changes are normal, when this happens regularly and is unexplained, it may signal something more. Medical News Today+1
In ovarian cancer, abdominal distension or pressure can push on the stomach, or fluid can build up, both interfering with normal digestion. Ovarian Cancer Action
What to notice:
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You can’t finish your usual portion of food despite being hungry
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You avoid eating because of discomfort, feeling bloated soon after starting a meal
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Appetite loss combined with belly swelling, bloating or weight changes
Don’t brush this off as “I’m just busy” or “dieting.” Persistent poor appetite deserves evaluation.
3. Changes in Urinary or Bowel Habits
Because the ovaries lie near the bladder and intestines, expanding tumours can press on these structures, leading to subtle urinary or bowel symptoms. ahs.atlantichealth.org+1
Urinary symptoms to watch for:
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Needing to urinate more often or urgently (but no infection)
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Incomplete bladder emptying or pressure in bladder/urethra
Bowel symptoms to watch for: -
Constipation, diarrhea or other changes in stool frequency/consistency
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Indigestion or gas that persist beyond normal bouts
Studies show that changes in bathroom habits are often among the early signs of ovarian cancer. Medical News Today
Tip: If you’ve been treated for urinary or bowel issues and they persist despite therapy — ask if the cause has been fully evaluated.
4. Persistent Pelvic or Lower Back Pressure / Pain
Pelvic pain or pressure is often blamed on menstrual cramps, indigestion or aging. But when you experience new, persistent, or worsening lower‑abdominal, pelvic or lower back discomfort, it’s worth noticing. loyolamedicine.org+1
The nature of the discomfort may vary:
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Pressure, fullness, heaviness in the pelvis
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Dull ache in the lower back that doesn’t relate to posture or activity
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Pain under the ribs or on one‑side of the abdomen
Because these complaints are so common in everyday life (periods, digestive issues, menopause), it’s easy to dismiss them — but if they linger, it’s time to speak up.
5. Unexplained Weight Changes or Worsening Fatigue
When there’s no change in diet or activity, yet you’re losing weight, gaining weight (especially belly/abdominal swelling), or persistently tired, pay attention. blog.virginiacancer.com+1
Weight change signals:
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Losing > 5% of body weight over 6–12 months without trying
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Gaining weight especially around the belly despite no diet change (could be fluid build‑up)
Fatigue signals: -
Feeling unusually tired despite rest
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Muscle weakness, lack of usual energy, persistent exhaustion
These can result from tumour‑related changes in metabolism, nutrient absorption or from fluid accumulation interfering with normal function. If you’re feeling “off” for weeks and it’s not due to a new job, new child, or known cause — mention it.
6. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge (Especially After Menopause)
While this isn’t one of the most common early signs of ovarian cancer, it is among the most easily overlooked — because many women assume bleeding after menopause is impossible or attribute spotting to hormonal changes. ahs.atlantichealth.org+1
What to note:
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Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
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Bleeding or spotting between periods when you previously had regular cycles
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Unusual vaginal discharge that wasn’t present before
Although such symptoms are more often linked to uterine or cervical conditions, any abnormal vaginal bleeding demands investigation — including possible ovarian causes.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice one or more of these symptoms and they are:
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New for you (not something you’ve experienced before)
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Occurring more than 12 days per month, or persist for more than 2–3 weeks blog.virginiacancer.com
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Unexplained by other known conditions (e.g., diagnosed IBS, UTI, menopause)
Then schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist. Mention explicitly: “I’m concerned about possible ovarian cancer” — this can help ensure appropriate evaluation.
Because there is no reliable screening test for average‑risk women, being your own advocate is critical. UT Physicians
Risk Factors to Understand
Knowing the symptoms helps — but understanding risk factors is also important. Some key risk factors include:
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Age: most cases are diagnosed after menopause (average ~63 years) University of Utah Healthcare
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Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2) or strong family history of ovarian/breast cancer Medical News Today
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Endometriosis, obesity, infertility or never having children loyolamedicine.org
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Not having used oral contraceptives (which lower risk slightly) unitypoint.org
Having risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll get ovarian cancer — but it means you may want to be especially attentive to symptoms and proactive in your healthcare discussions.
Why Early Detection Matters
Because ovarian cancer tends to be diagnosed in later stages when the prognosis is poorer, catching the disease early can make a big difference. UT Physicians
When symptoms are recognized sooner, doctors can intervene earlier, and treatment outcomes may be better. It’s why being aware of the subtle signs — and not brushing them off — can potentially save lives.
Final Thoughts
Don’t ignore your instincts about your body. If something feels “off” for weeks, even if it seems minor, speak up. The six symptoms above may not always signal ovarian cancer — in fact, most of the time they will not — but they shouldn’t be ignored if they are new, persistent, and unusual for you. Listening to your body and discussing concerns with your doctor is one of the best steps you can take for your health.
