Ovarian cancer used to be called 'the silent killer', with most women not being diagnosed until the cancer had spread.
But there is now growing scientific evidence that the frequency and combination of particular symptoms could alert women and their doctors to the possibility of ovarian cancer, even when it is in the early stages, when survival rates are much higher.
Diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms are often similar to those caused by more common, less serious conditions.
The early symptoms which could indicate ovarian cancer are:
*Persistent pelvic and stomach pain
*Increased abdominal size / persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
*Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
Patients should ask their GP whether ovarian cancer should be considered if they experience any of these three symptoms on most days.
Symptoms of later stage ovarian cancer include:
*Indigestion
*Constipation
*Nausea
*Needing to pass urine frequently
*Pain during sex
*Ongoing fatigue that can't be explained
*Shortness of breath
Visit www.ovarian.org.uk for more information on ovarian cancer and our research, awareness and fundraising work.
If you are worried that you are experiencing one or a range of the common symptoms on most days, can download a Symptoms Diary from the website, which allows them to note the frequency and type of symptoms they are experiencing and present the diary to their GP.
If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms on most days, it is unlikely you have ovarian cancer but it is important to ask your GP whether ovarian cancer should be considered.
