Ovarian cancer: what to watch for and what to do
Ovarian cancer can feel quiet at first. That’s why people often miss early signs. If you’ve had new, persistent belly bloating, pelvic pain, or you’re feeling full quickly for weeks, don’t shrug it off. These are common early signals and worth a check-up.
Spot the symptoms early
Here are the symptoms that matter: bloating that doesn’t go away, pelvic or lower back pain, trouble eating or feeling full fast, frequent or urgent urination, and unexplained weight loss or gain. If these show up for more than a few weeks and are new for you, tell your doctor. One or two of these alone aren’t proof of cancer, but persistent patterns are the red flag.
Age matters: risk goes up after menopause, and the most common age group is women in their 50s and 60s. Family history is another big clue—if close relatives had ovarian or breast cancer, genetic testing for BRCA1/2 or other relevant genes is worth discussing.
Treatment options and next steps
Diagnosis usually starts with a pelvic exam, blood test for CA-125, and a transvaginal ultrasound. These tests can’t confirm every case, but they guide whether you need imaging or a surgical biopsy. If cancer is found, your care team may include a gynecologic oncologist, medical oncologist, and a nurse specialist.
Standard treatment often combines surgery (to remove as much tumor as possible) and chemotherapy. For some people, targeted drugs like PARP inhibitors work well, especially if they have a BRCA mutation. Immunotherapy or hormone treatments may be options in specific cases, and clinical trials can provide access to new therapies. Ask about side effects, recovery time, and how treatment affects fertility if that’s a concern.
Prevention and risk reduction: using oral contraceptives for several years lowers ovarian cancer risk. If you have a very high genetic risk, doctors sometimes recommend removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes after childbearing is complete. That’s a big decision—get genetic counseling first.
Follow-up care matters. After treatment, regular check-ups help spot recurrence early and manage long-term side effects. If you’re worried about symptoms but tests come back normal, trust your instincts—ask for a second opinion or a specialist referral.
Feeling overwhelmed is normal. Bring a relative or friend to appointments, write questions down, and ask your clinic about support services: counseling, pain management, nutrition help, and survivorship programs can make a big difference.
If you want specific resources or help finding a specialist, Canadian Pharmacy 24 can point you to reliable patient guides and clinic contacts. Don’t wait on symptoms that stick around—book that appointment and get the answers you need.
