What are the potential symptoms of ovarian cancer?

2026-09-15

In its early stages, ovarian cancer is often oligosymptomatic or presents with non-specific complaints, which frequently delays diagnosis. According to clinical research and guidelines (such as the Goff symptom index and NICE recommendations), the most characteristic and frequent symptoms include: abdominal or pelvic pain and discomfort, persistent bloating or an increase in abdominal circumference, difficulty eating, early satiety or loss of appetite, and changes in urinary habits (increased urinary frequency or urgency). In addition, alterations in bowel habits (such as constipation, dyspepsia), unusual or extreme fatigue, back pain, and unexplained weight loss may also occur. Suspicion is warranted if these complaints are of new onset, are persistent, or occur frequently on a monthly basis (such as on more than 12 days per month).\n\nInternational tools used for symptom assessment—such as the BEAT campaign (Bloating, Eating difficulties, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes)—highlight that the constellation and unusual persistence of these mild gastrointestinal or urological complaints warrant thorough gynaecological and imaging investigations.

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