Oncologist shares silent symptoms of ovarian cancer every woman should know

Ovarian cancer: Unlike breast cancer, which has self-examinations, or cervical cancer, which has screening tests, ovarian cancer has no simple test for average-risk women (Image: Pexels)

With multiple responsibilities to manage – from families and homes to careers – women often put their own health concerns on hold. Persistent bloating, irregular periods, stomach pain or discomfort, and always feeling full could easily be mistaken for stress or ageing. Unfortunately, these seemingly harmless signs can be indicative of something much more serious: ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is one of the hardest cancers to catch early. While breast cancer has self-examinations and cervical cancer has regular screenings, ovarian cancer lacks a widely available screening method for average-risk women. Its symptoms are nonspecific and can easily be confused with everyday digestive or hormonal issues, often leading to late detection and more difficult treatment.

According to cancer registries in India and global studies, the majority of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, with poor treatment outcomes. Family history is another key factor, yet many women are unaware of this additional risk. Therefore, awareness is critical – not only for the women themselves but also for their families, who should encourage them to take symptoms seriously.

Also read | 11 things about ovarian cancer every women should know: Symptoms, causes, prevention and management

Why is Ovarian Cancer Hard to Detect?

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Unlike breast cancer, which has self-examinations, or cervical cancer, which has screening tests, ovarian cancer has no simple test for average-risk women.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Chronic bloating
• Lower stomach discomfort or pain
• Digestive troubles
• Persistent tiredness

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Cancer Registry Programme, most ovarian cancer cases in India are discovered only after the disease has spread beyond the ovaries. Family history plays a significant role too. If someone in the family has had ovarian or breast cancer, the risk increases. Yet, many women in smaller cities and rural areas remain unaware of this risk.

Delay in Diagnosis can be Dangerous

Early detection of ovarian cancer significantly impacts treatment outcomes. It responds better to early-stage treatment, improving survival chances. But delayed diagnosis allows the cancer to spread within the abdomen, making treatment more challenging and often requiring extensive surgeries and prolonged chemotherapy sessions.

Also read | Senior oncologist explains what is Struma Ovarii and how this rare ovarian tumour is associated with hyperthyroidism

Treatment tips

Dr Nandish Kumar Jeevangi, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Kalburagi, tells Moneycontrol, “Indian cancer care has advanced in recent years. Surgery remains the primary treatment, with doctors removing as much of the cancer as possible, followed by chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells. For women with a family history of cancer or certain genetic changes, new targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, are showing promising results. These treatments specifically target cancer cells and cause fewer side effects than traditional methods.”

He adds, “Minimally invasive surgeries are also a good option, involving smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery."

Ways Women can Reduce the Risk from Ovarian Cancer

Women can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and detect problems earlier by following simple steps:

• Adopt a healthy diet, with more home-cooked meals, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Stay active through walking, exercise, and yoga.
• Avoid unnecessary use of hormonal medicines unless advised by a doctor.
• If there is a family history of cancer, seek genetic counselling and regular specialist check-ups.
• Pay attention to your body. If bloating, pain, or tiredness persist for weeks, consult a doctor.
• Encourage open conversations at home. Mothers, daughters, and sisters should look out for each other.