FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#14 - Flipbook - Page 18
Recognising the Symptoms
One of the big challenges with ovarian
cancer is that symptoms can feel
vague or unrelated to gynaecological
health. Women often describe
symptoms that come and go, or feel
like everyday discomforts. Common
symptoms include:
• Persistent bloating or swelling in the
abdomen
• Pelvic or lower
stomach pain
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Needing to urinate more often
• Changes to bowel habits
• Ongoing fatigue or unexpected
weight changes
These symptoms can be caused by
many different things, but if they are
new, persistent or feel unusual for you,
it is worth chatting with your GP. Paying
attention to your body is one of the
most powerful tools you have.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
There is currently no reliable screening
test for ovarian cancer. Tests like
CA125 and ultrasounds can help
investigate symptoms, but they are
not effective screening tools for the
general population.
