Ovarian cancer symptoms: recognizing the warning signs

Signs often interpreted as minor issues

Ovarian cancer symptoms are not specific to this disease. They are found in many other situations, most of which are benign, making them difficult to interpret without a medical assessment.

Among the most frequently reported signs:

• Persistent bloating or a gradual increase in abdominal size ‍
• Pelvic or abdominal pain with no identified cause ‍
• Feeling full quickly and loss of appetite ‍
• Changes in bowel habits : unexplained constipation or diarrhea ‍
• Persistent fatigue with no identifiable cause ‍
• Frequent urination or urgent need to go ‍
• Abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge (less common, but should be reported)

These signs become more concerning when they persist for several weeks or occur in combination. Their presence does not confirm ovarian cancer, but warrants a medical evaluation.

{{encart-bleu}}

‍

Why diagnosis can take time

Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare condition, and its symptoms are shared with much more common disorders. The conditions most often confused with it are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) : bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel irregularities ‍
• Endometriosis : chronic pelvic pain, digestive issues, fatigue ‍
• Benign ovarian cyst : mass detected via imaging, pelvic discomfort ‍
• Functional digestive disorders : abdominal symptoms with no identifiable lesion

This similarity explains why some women have consulted multiple times for different reasons before the link to an ovarian condition was established. The distinction does not rely on symptoms alone: it requires further testing, specifically pelvic imaging and blood work.

{{cta05-large}}

When family and genetic history matter

Some women are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer due to their genetic profile or medical history. The main documented factors are:

• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation : involved in 15 to 20% of high-grade ovarian cancers according to the Gustave Roussy Institute ‍
• Family history of ovarian or breast cancer (hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome) ‍
• Age : risk increases after menopause, with a peak incidence around age 62-65 ‍
• Nulliparity : having never been pregnant

The presence of one or more of these factors does not mean the disease will develop. Conversely, their absence does not rule out the condition. For women carrying an identified BRCA mutation, enhanced gynecological monitoring may be offered by a specialist in oncogenetics.

Steps toward a diagnosis

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms without a satisfactory explanation, the first step is to consult your primary care physician or gynecologist. During this visit, initial testing may be recommended:

1. Pelvic ultrasound : the first imaging test to evaluate the ovaries and surrounding structures ‍
2. CA-125 blood test : a blood marker that, if elevated, may point toward further investigation, although this marker is not specific to ovarian cancer ‍
3. MRI or CT scan : if the ultrasound reveals an abnormality that requires more precise evaluation

A definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed through histological analysis of tumor cells, obtained during specialized surgery. If you have already consulted a doctor and the results did not provide a clear answer, or if you have been diagnosed and would like more clarity, a second opinion can provide a fresh perspective on your medical assessment without calling into question what has already been done.