Symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, trouble eating and urinary symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. Although these symptoms can be linked to other noncancerous conditions, they should be reviewed by a gynecologist if severe and occurring more than 12 times a year.Continue Reading
Fatigue, upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex and menstrual changes can also signal ovarian cancer. However, these symptoms are even more likely to be linked to noncancerous conditions, also stated by the American Cancer Society. In addition, early-stage ovarian cancer usually occurs without any symptoms. Even in the advanced stages of the disease, symptoms often seem to signal minor conditions, according to Mayo Clinic.
Women between the ages of 50 and 60 are most at risk for developing this form of cancer. Women who used an intrauterine device, estrogen hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatments are also at increased risk. Women who entered menopause after age 52 or began menstruating before age 12 might have an increased chance of ovarian cancer, reports Mayo Clinic. A small number of women develop ovarian cancer because of a gene mutation. Breast cancer genes 1 and 2, as well as the gene linked to Lynch syndrome, can cause ovarian cancer.Learn more about Cancer