Ovarian cancer symptoms every woman should know that are often overlooked

Experts are warning people about six lesser-known symptoms of ovarian cancer, debunking the myth that it is a silent killer. Ovarian cancer is most common in women over 50 who have gone through menopause, but it can develop at any age.

The NHS states that early signs to look out for include persistent bloating, pelvic and lower stomach pain, and difficulty eating. The Siteman Cancer Center in Missouri, USA, also says: "The first symptoms of ovarian cancer are easy to miss, which is why it has long been called the 'silent killer'.

However, it adds: "But ovarian cancer isn't really a silent killer; the early signs are often ignored or mistaken for other benign conditions.

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"Gynecologic symptoms for cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers are all easy to brush off, but being able to identify early symptoms is crucial."

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but certain factors are thought to increase a woman's risk of developing the condition, such as age, the number of eggs the ovaries release, and whether someone in your family has had ovarian or breast cancer in the past.

However, only 1 in 10 cases of ovarian cancer has a genetic link. Here is a list of six lesser-known signs of ovarian cancer to look out for: Main tests for ovarian cancer.

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To diagnose ovarian cancer, a blood test and a scan are typically the first steps, but other examinations are often required, according to the NHS. An ultrasound scan may be performed to check for changes in your ovaries, reports the Mirror .

This could involve using a scanning device, about the size of a finger, inserted into the vagina (transvaginal scan), or an external scan over your stomach area (abdominal scan). If the scan results are normal but symptoms persist for a month or more, it's advised to consult a GP again.

Sometimes, especially post-menopause, ovaries might be too small to be detected on a scan. Other tests that may be conducted include: a CT scan, removing a small sample of cells or fluid from the ovaries (needle biopsy), examining the ovaries using a camera at the end of a tube through a small incision in the stomach (laparoscopy), or surgery to remove tissue or possibly the ovaries (laparotomy).

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