Ovarian Cancer Detection: There are many cancers in women whose early symptoms are often unrecognizable, and ovarian cancer is one of them. Let's learn more about it.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Early Signs Of Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer in the world and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. It is often called the silent killer because it progresses almost silently in the early stages, and by the time it is detected, the disease is already quite advanced. According to global data from 2024, approximately 32.4 million new cases were reported worldwide, and approximately 20.6 million women died from this disease.
In most cases, this cancer begins with malignant tumors in the ovaries, particularly epithelial ovarian cancer, which is caused by the rapid growth of abnormal cells. Overall, a woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is estimated to be approximately 1.3 percent, but age, family history, and certain genetic mutations can increase this risk many times over. This is why early detection is crucial.

Why is early detection so difficult?

The problem is that in its early stages, ovarian cancer often causes symptoms that women ignore, thinking they're minor problems. This is why, according to the Mayo Clinic, about 75 percent of cases are detected in stage 3 or 4, when the cancer has already spread beyond the ovaries. Because the early symptoms typically include bloating, feeling full, mild abdominal pain, or changing digestive habits, they're often dismissed as trivial, leading to late detection. Furthermore, there's no routine screening test for the disease.

Why is ovarian cancer detected so late?

The ovaries are located deep within the body, hidden behind many organs. Small tumors are not easily felt, and early cancers often do not cause any obvious symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease has often already spread. This is why only 20 to 25 percent of patients are diagnosed with cancer in its early stages. As the disease progresses, the chances of survival decrease significantly.

What does the new research from Mayo Clinic say?

This year, a landmark study from the Mayo Clinic revealed that cells lining the fallopian tubes, now considered the primary source of ovarian cancer, begin to show subtle changes in the very early stages of the disease. The woman in the study was just 22 years old but had genetic mutations that increase cancer risk. Scans revealed only a simple cyst, but a closer examination revealed precancerous changes in the cells.

What common symptoms may be early signs of ovarian cancer?

Experts say that symptoms that most women dismiss as minor problems may actually be warning signs.

• Persistent bloating or heaviness in the stomach


• Feeling of fullness after eating something


• Mild pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area


• back pain, especially the lower back


• Constipation, diarrhea, or a change in urine habits


• Fatigue, weakness, sudden changes in weight

Because these symptoms seem like everyday problems, it's easy to take them lightly. But if they persist for two or three weeks, it's important to see a doctor.