2. Subtle Pelvic or Lower Abdominal Pain
Early ovarian cancer may cause mild, nagging pain in the pelvic area. It might come and go, resembling menstrual cramps or digestive discomfort. Over time, the pain tends to become more frequent or persistent.
Many women dismiss these sensations as part of aging, menstrual irregularities, or gastrointestinal issues—when in fact, the body is signaling something deeper.
3. Feeling Full Quickly or Losing Appetite
Another early sign is early satiety—feeling full after eating only a small amount. This happens because ovarian tumors can press against nearby organs and disrupt digestion.
Women might notice:
- Loss of interest in food
- Sudden difficulty finishing regular meals
- Nausea after eating
- If this change is new and lasts more than two weeks, it should not be ignored.
4. Increased Urgency or Frequency of Urination
This symptom often gets mistaken for a urinary tract infection or overactive bladder. Tumors in the pelvic area can put pressure on the bladder, causing:
The need to urinate more often
- Suddenly feeling an urgent need to go
- Waking up multiple times during the night
- If urinalysis shows no infection but symptoms persist, a pelvic exam may be necessary.
5. Unexplained Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away
Fatigue is one of the earliest and least recognized symptoms of ovarian cancer. Unlike normal tiredness, this fatigue:
- Persists even after rest
- Affects daily activities
- Comes with weakness or difficulty concentrating
The body becomes tired because it is fighting internal inflammation or anemia caused by early cancer activity.
