Ovarian cancer is treatable, if diagnosed in its early stages and chances of recovery are brighter too. However, many ignore the early signs of ovarian cancer and most women overlook the symptoms until a much-advanced stage. Many get ovarian cancer as it cannot be diagnosed in the pre-cancer stage. More than 70 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed only when the cancer is more advanced.

Life expectancy, or the five-year survival rate for early-stage ovarian cancer is about 80% to 90% (whereas the survival rate for advanced-stage ovarian cancer is around 28 to 40 percent).

Please note the following early warning signs of ovarian cancer, and make sure you consult with your doctor if you experience any of these.

1. Abdominal bloating
Almost every woman experiences bloating, an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the belly. Bloating is common during and before menstruation. If you consistently feel bloated every day for a few weeks, you need to get it checked with your gynecologist. Persistently feeling bloated and heavy in the stomach is a very common early sign of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can cause an abnormal buildup of fluid in the pelvis or abdomen, which causes abdominal distension (visible swelling in the stomach). It is a major warning sign of ovarian cancer.

2. Persistent and prolonged pain in the abdomen and pelvis
Persistent pressure in the abdomen and pelvis, and lower back area that lasts for more than a week can signal a problem. It may be a vague symptom but should not be left ignored. If the pain is new and is not intermittent, and there is no other lifestyle change or stress, which could have caused the pain, then get yourself checked. If the pain is stress-related, the pain will reduce when stress is alleviated. Unfortunately, it is hard to differentiate between symptoms of ovarian cancer and stress-related problems, which is why many women visit several Orthopedists and Neurologists before they visit a gynecologist and are diagnosed. If you have prolonged pain, do a pelvic exam to rule out any cancer related issues.

3. Abnormally full feeling, indigestion, or nausea
Occasionally, persistent indigestion or nausea can be an early and subtle signal of some gynecologic cancer like ovarian cancer. Better to be safe and see your doctor if you feel queasy more often than before.

4. Difficulty in eating and loss of appetite
There are days you may not feel hungry at all, and you have to force yourself to eat, and you may have difficulty eating too. Appetite changes may be a sign of ovarian cancer. You may feel full quickly and have difficulty even finishing small meals. Get yourself tested if you find an abnormal difference in your appetite, without any other lifestyle changes like stress or acidity.

5. Increase in urination frequency
You will suddenly feel the need to urinate all the time and feel constant pressure on your bladder. Unless you’ve started drinking more water or liquids or you are pregnant, this may be a sign of ovarian cancer. Do a physical examination to rule out this unfortunate possibility.