Ovarian can:cer has long been called “the silent killer.” Like many forms of cancer, it often develops without noticeable symptoms for a long time. When signs do appear, they tend to be vague and easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions. Unfortunately, by the time ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed, it has often already spread—making treatment much more difficult.

The most common form of ovarian cancer is epithelial tumors, which originate in the thin layer of tissue covering the outside of the ovaries. These account for around 90% of all cases.
Less common types include stromal tumors, which develop in the supporting tissue of the ovaries, and germ cell tumors, which begin in the egg-producing cells.

Eight Key Warning Signs of Ovarian Can:cer

1. Abdominal bloating or swelling – A noticeable increase in abdominal size, bloating, or excessive gas. You may find that your clothes feel tighter around your waist or hips.
2. Constipation or changes in bowel habits – Persistent irregularity or discomfort during bowel movements.
3. Pelvic or abdominal pain – Ongoing discomfort or pain in the pelvic area that doesn’t go away. Don’t rely on painkillers to mask it; pain is your body’s way of signaling a problem.
4. Lower back pain – Especially when the pain radiates into the pelvis or lower abdomen.
5. Frequent or urgent urination – The need to urinate more often or difficulty holding it. This can also result from weaker pelvic muscles or a urinary tract infection, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated.
6. Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly – A reduced desire to eat, early fullness, or unexplained weight loss may indicate deeper issues.
7. Pain during sexual intercourse – Ongoing discomfort or pain during intimacy should not be ignored.
8. Fatigue – Persistent tiredness and low energy levels without a clear cause can sometimes signal an underlying condition.

Risk Factors to Consider

1. Age
Women over 50 are more prone to developing ovarian cancer, and about half of all cases occur in women over 60. However, younger women are not immune—some rare types, such as germ cell tumors, appear at a younger age.

2. Family History and Genetics
A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer increases risk. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations—originally linked to breast cancer—are also associated with ovarian cancer. Genetic testing may be recommended for women with strong family histories of these cancers. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

3. Pregnancy and Menstruation
Women who have never been pregnant, began menstruating before age 12, or went through menopause after age 50 are at a higher risk. Fewer menstrual cycles appear to lower the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, so women with multiple pregnancies tend to have a reduced risk.

4. Certain Medications
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause and long-term fertility treatments may increase risk. Conversely, birth control pills have been shown to reduce it.

5. Other Factors
Smoking, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and intrauterine device (IUD) use have also been linked to increased risk.

Why Early Detection Is So Difficult

Currently, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. That’s why recognizing symptoms and acting early is critical. When you visit your doctor, they may perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or bl00d tests to look for warning signs.

Researchers continue to search for better screening methods that can detect the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.