Being aware of the more common ovarian cancer symptoms can mean the difference between life and death. A recent Australian survey has revealed that 1 in 5 women cannot name one symptom of ovarian cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, detecting ovarian cancer in its early stages can increase a woman’s chance of surviving another 5 years to 93%. This demonstrates how important knowing what symptoms to look out for is so important.

Pain in the abdomen or ovaries is one of the common signs that can indicate the possibility of ovarian cancer. Together with bloating or abdominal swelling and constipation, they can suggest the presence of irritable bowel syndrome, but they are also symptoms of ovarian cancer. The pain can often begin as a dull ache but can become intensified over time to the point that it is hard to ignore. In one study, women diagnosed with ovarian cancer were 2.2 times more likely to have experienced abdominal pain than women without cancer.

Another of the common ovarian cancer symptoms is urinary urgency, or increased urinary frequency. This means having to urinate more often. The development of constipation can also be a symptom of ovarian cancer, even when a women has a good diet, and eats plenty of fiber. This can be accompanied by a feeling of being full or difficulty eating together with constant feeling pressure on the abdomen. Over time, visible abdominal swelling can also develop.

Changes in urinary urgency are easily among the more common ovarian cancer symptoms. Women who are developing a tumor on one or both ovaries may find themselves with the urge to urinate more often. Other women find that they develop constipation, even when eating a proper diet with plenty of fiber. As the condition worsens, a sense of fullness also develops, along with a consistent feeling of pressure in the abdomen that is very hard to ignore. Over time, visible swelling will also take place.

Other examples of ovarian cancer symptoms include an increase in the incidence of nausea and gas, a lack of interest in eating, and an energy level that is relatively low even after getting plenty of sleep. A dull ache in the lower back develops and seems to linger even when treatments such as the application of a heating pad are used. In addition to the bleeding during intercourse, the activity may become extremely painful as the tumor or tumors begin to grow. Indigestion may be present even if you have not consumed any food or drink in the last couple of hours.

In years past, healthcare professionals considered this form of cancer to be extremely difficult to detect. This is because many of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are also signs of other ailments,such as bladder issues and even depression. However, doctors are realizing the value of treating these symptoms as possible ovarian cancer warning signs even as they also consider the possibility of some other illness being the root cause. Even if you are sure that these ovarian cancer symptoms are associated with some minor ailment, it never hurts to ask your doctor to run a few tests. Taking these signs and symptoms seriously could mean the difference between a long and happy life with loved ones, and a life that is tragically cut short.

For a complete knowledge base on ovarian cancer, please visit ovarian cancer symptoms.