Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Experts explain symptoms and signs that silently hide behind menstrual cramps and pain |
Ovarian cancer is often dubbed the “silent killer” for a reason: in most women, by the time it’s detected, it has already advanced beyond early stages. As per the World Cancer Research Fund, globally, ovarian cancer ranks among the top cancers affecting women: it is the 8th most common cancer in women worldwide. In 2020, there were about 314,000 new diagnoses globally, with an age-standardized incidence (i.e. after adjusting for age differences across populations) of about 6.6 per 100,000 women. Sadly, it is also one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers: in 2020, ovarian cancer accounted for around 4.7% of all cancer-related deaths in women worldwide.In India, ovarian cancer is among the top cancers in women. It is considered the third most common cancer affecting Indian women (after breast and cervical cancers). According to recent estimates, the age-adjusted incidence rate in India is around 6.8 per 100,000 women. Many diagnosed cases are in the post-menopausal age group (commonly between ages 50–65), but it can — though less often — occur earlier too. Early symptoms are mild or easily mistaken for common issues (digestive discomfort, bloating, mild backache, etc.). Roughly two-thirds of cases are diagnosed at a later stage, which reduces the chances of successful treatment. One of the most misunderstood symptoms related to ovarian cancer is the one that mimics period pain. In an exclusive interview with TOI, Dr Vaishali Sharma, Senior gynecologist and IVF specialist and Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Senior Oncologist, Co founder Art of healing cancer spoke about ovarian cancer and its early signs.The majority of women know their bodies well enough to predict when period cramps are coming. The dull ache in the lower belly, the bloating, the heaviness — it becomes part of a routine. And because we’re so used to these symptoms, it’s very easy to overlook something more serious hiding behind the same discomfort.Ovarian cancer is one of those conditions that doesn’t announce itself loudly in the beginning. It whispers. And those whispers can sound a lot like normal menstrual symptoms. That’s why so many women miss the early signs completely.
The symptoms blend into normal life
One of the first things women with early ovarian cancer describe is persistent bloating. Not the kind that shows up a day or two before your period, but bloating that refuses to settle even after your cycle ends. Clothes start feeling tight around the waist. You may even look like you’ve gained weight, but the scale stays the same. It’s easy to blame digestion, stress, or “eating something oily.”Another subtle sign is a pelvic heaviness that comes and goes without a clear pattern. Period cramps usually follow your hormonal schedule — they arrive, peak, and fade. Ovarian cancer discomfort tends to be more unpredictable. A woman might feel a dragging sensation on one side, or a deep ache that reappears in the middle of her cycle when she least expects it.
Appetite changes that feel “too small” to complain about
Many women ignore this one: getting full much faster than usual. You sit down for a normal meal, and halfway through, it suddenly feels like you’ve overeaten. Some women lose their appetite without realising something is wrong. It’s such a quiet symptom that they don’t even mention it unless asked specifically.
Urinary changes you might blame on water intake
Another early sign is needing to use the bathroom more often. Women usually brush this off. “Maybe I drank too much water,” or “Maybe my bladder is sensitive today.” But when the ovaries enlarge or develop cysts, they can put pressure against the bladder, making you feel like you need to go more frequently — even if the quantity is small.
Menstrual changes that don’t follow your usual pattern
Not every woman with ovarian cancer notices changes in her periods, but some do. The bleeding may become heavier, or spotting might appear between cycles. The pain may feel different — sharper, deeper, or more prolonged than your usual cramps. Since most women attribute this to hormones or stress, the warning signs go unreported.
When should you worry?
No single symptom automatically means ovarian cancer. But if any of these changes stay with you for more than a few weeks, or if your period pain suddenly makes you feel “out of character,” it’s worth checking. A pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and a blood test called CA-125 can provide clarity. These tests are simple and quick — and catching ovarian cancer early can make a life-changing difference.
The important message
You don’t need to panic over every cramp, but you shouldn’t dismiss your instincts either. When your body keeps sending the same signal over and over, even after your period is long gone, that’s the moment to pause and listen. Most of the time, the cause is harmless. But on the chance it isn’t, early attention can save your health — and sometimes your life.
