The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly early on.
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They're often the same as symptoms of less serious conditions, such as
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).
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Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
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feeling constantly bloated
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a swollen tummy
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discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
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feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite
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needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
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persistent indigestion or feeling sick
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pain during sex
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a change in your bowel habits
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back pain
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feeling tired all the time
When to see a GP
See a GP if:
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you have been feeling bloated, particularly more than 12 times a month
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you have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that will not go away – especially if you're over 50 or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, as you may be at a higher risk
It's unlikely you have cancer, but it's best to check. A GP can do some simple tests for ovarian cancer to see if you have it.
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If you have already seen a GP and your symptoms continue or get worse, go back to them and explain this.
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information taken from www.nhs.uk
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Other useful links on this topic
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Please visit www.cancermatterswessex.nhs.uk/ovarian-cancer