About Ovarian Cancer

We encourage women to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer to help catch the disease at its earliest stages.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Take Action:

These symptoms may be caused by ovarian cancer or by other less serious conditions. It is important to check with a doctor, preferably a gynecologist, about these symptoms if they are new and persist for 2-3 weeks, especially if you experience several at one time. Tests for ovarian cancers include a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA 125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound. A Pap smear is NOT a test for ovarian cancer. If ovarian cancer is suspected, consult a gynecologic oncologist.


Helpful Links:

Symptoms Found for Early Check On Ovary Cancer

NY Times • June 13, 2007

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control on Ovarian Cancer

National Cancer Institute's Ovarian Cancer Home Page