Ovarian cancer: symptoms to know and the truth about screening

The short answer

Ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon, but it matters because its early symptoms are easy to mistake for everyday digestive or bladder complaints. There is currently no reliable screening test for women at average risk — so awareness of persistent symptoms, and a low threshold to get checked, are the most useful tools. This page is part of our gynae-oncology & cancer-prevention programme.

Symptoms to know

The symptoms below are common and usually caused by something harmless. What makes them worth checking is when they are new, persistent (most days for a few weeks), and not normal for you:

• Persistent bloating or a swollen abdomen
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain or discomfort
• Needing to pass urine more often or more urgently
• Unexplained change in bowel habit, fatigue or weight loss

Why there’s no simple screen for everyone

Unlike cervical cancer, ovarian cancer has no screening test suitable for women at average risk. Blood tests such as CA-125 and ultrasound are useful for investigating symptoms or monitoring known conditions, but as a population screen they produce many false alarms and have not been shown to save lives in average-risk women. That is why we focus on prompt assessment of symptoms rather than routine screening of women with none.

Who is at higher risk

Most women who develop ovarian cancer have no strong family history, but risk is higher with a significant family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or an inherited gene change such as BRCA. If that applies to you, genetic counselling and a personalised surveillance or risk-reduction plan can be discussed — this is different from general-population screening and is decided case by case.

Ovarian cysts are usually not cancer

Finding an ovarian cyst is common and, in the large majority of cases, not cancer — many are simple, functional cysts that resolve on their own. Cysts are assessed on their appearance on ultrasound, your age and symptoms, and only a minority need surgery. If you have been told you have a cyst, see our guidance on ovarian cysts for reassurance and next steps.

When to seek review

See a doctor if any of the symptoms above are new, persist for more than a few weeks, or are unusual for you — particularly after menopause. Getting checked is straightforward and usually reassuring; when assessment is needed it typically starts with an examination and an ultrasound. Routine well-woman care is part of our preventive gynaecology service.

Frequently asked questions