The symptoms of ovarian cancer are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage because they turn prominent once the disease spreads. The cancerous growth puts pressure on the bladder and uterus, which develops detectable lumps. In some cases, however, the warning signs of ovarian cancer can appear early. These are often misread as signs of other conditions, but medical intervention is necessary if they last for more than a week. Here are some early symptoms of ovarian cancer:

Prolonged abdominal pain
Pain in the abdomen can be an early warning sign of ovarian cancer and should not be ignored, especially if it lasts for more than 2 weeks. Abdominal pain can be an indicator of metastasis, which means that the disease has spread to other areas too. Tumors can form in the pelvis, bowels, and diaphragm area. Also, ovarian cancer can cause a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which is known as ascites and causes pain in the upper abdomen.

Bloating
Feeling bloated all the time is a common and early warning sign of ovarian cancer, and swelling in the stomach can also indicate this disease. Cancer can develop on the outer area of the bowels, impairing bowel functioning. This causes changes in bowel habits and leads to bloating. If a woman suffers from constipation, along with the feeling of being constantly full, it can be a red flag for ovarian cancer.

Irregular menstrual cycles
Women with ovarian cancer often have irregular menstrual cycles. A tumor in the ovary can disrupt the cycles and make them more or less frequent, or it might even cause missed cycles in some cases. Changes like a flow that is constantly heavier than usual can also be a sign of ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumors can also create their own estrogen, which then interrupts a woman’s normal cycle as it mimics menstrual bleeding.

Heartburn
Heartburn can be an early sign of ovarian cancer and occurs because of changes in the bowels due to the disease. Constipation and bloating causes matter to get pushed up against the stomach, leading to acid reflux and putting pressure on the esophagus. As a result, one feels a burning sensation in the chest area, known as heartburn. This is a prominent early warning sign of ovarian cancer.

Urination issues
Bladder-related issues can indicate reproductive or gynecologic problems like ovarian cancer. A tumor can increase pressure on the bladder and reduce bladder capacity, making it feel too full. So, symptoms like pain or unusual pressure in the bladder, frequent urination, and an urgent need to empty the bladder can be early signs of ovarian cancer. If these symptoms last for several days, it is important to consult a doctor for further diagnosis.