Credits: Social Media
Doctor shares four ‘red flag’ ovarian cancer symptoms people ‘often ignore’
Ovarian cancer is common among females, but the symptoms aren’t always as obvious as other cancers.
Many often ignore the signs or pass them off as something else – but a doctor has revealed the symptoms you need to get checked out.
‘Red flag’ ovarian cancer symptoms
“I often speak to and see patients who are presenting with the red flag symptoms of various different types of cancers, however there is one cancer where I think patients sit on their symptoms for a little bit too long,” NHS general practitioner Dr. Shireen said on TikTok.
She explained that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are “non-specific” a lot of the time, so you might think you just had an upset stomach or indigestion, but these could be signs of something far more serious.
The doctor advised looking out for the following three cancer symptoms and seeing a doctor straight away if they present themselves:
- HEALTH TIP: Skin cancer surgeon reveals 8 often forgotten places to apply sunscreen including scalp and eyelids
1. Feeling bloated
Firstly, if you have a swollen tummy or are feeling bloated all the time, that could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
2. Feeling full quickly after meals
Another common symptom is feeling full very quickly after eating food or having a smaller appetite than usual.
2. Dull ache in the pelvic area
Another ovarian cancer symptom is a dull, achy pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area that doesn’t go away.
3. Needing to pee more often
Needing to urinate more frequently than usual is also a common symptom of ovarian cancer to watch out for.
However, experiencing any of these symptoms once or twice isn’t usually a cause for concern. The NHS says to speak to your doctor if it is happening frequently, more than 12 times a month.
More common ovarian cancer symptoms
The NHS reveals that other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- A swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Feeling tired all the time
- Losing weight without trying
- Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
Remember that all of these symptoms are very common and could also be caused by many other conditions. However, it’s still important to get them checked by a doctor because if they are being caused by cancer, early detection makes it more treatable.
A doctor will look for any unusual lumps or masses in the abdomen and do a blood test to look for signs of ovarian cancer.
Dr. Shireen is a GP working for the NHS in London who got her medical degree from Imperial College�London and specializes in mental health, women’s health and early years.
