New Study Suggests Ovarian Cancer Can Be Detected Early: These 4 Symptoms Are Key

One of the main challenges when it comes to effective diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer is the complexity of identifying symptoms. This is largely due to the fact that most ovarian cancer symptoms are also related to other common (non-cancerous) health conditions. However, a new study shows promise regarding the ability to discern specific symptoms in women in early stages of the disease. Here’s what you need to know.

New research on ovarian cancer symptoms and early detection

The Australian study, published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer looked at women with four specific symptoms:

1. Bloating
2. Abdominal pain
3. Frequent urination
4. Feeling full quickly

Researchers put them on a fast track to see a specialist. The results ultimately suggest that even the most aggressive types of ovarian cancer could be detected in the early stages.

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Over the course of six years, researchers recruited 2,596 women between the ages of 16 and 90 from hospitals across the UK. Participants were asked to monitor for persistent abdominal distension (often referred to as bloating ), feeling full shortly after starting to eat and/or loss of appetite, pelvic area or abdominal pain (which can feel like indigestion ) and needing to urinate urgently or more often.

Researchers ‘fast-tracked’ women with potential ovarian cancer symptoms

Women who reported at least one of the four symptoms persistently or frequently (1,741 participants) were put on a fast-track pathway , on which they were sent to see a gynecologist within two weeks.

They received a blood test that measured the cancer antigen 125 (CA125). If a woman’s CA125 level was abnormal, she was sent to do an internal vaginal ultrasound. Approximately 12 percent of women on the fast-track pathway were diagnosed with some kind of ovarian cancer.

And 7 percent of fast-tracked patients were diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most aggressive form of cancer and responsible for nearly 80 percent of ovarian cancer deaths . Of the women with the most aggressive form, one in four were diagnosed while the cancer was still in its early stages.

Other potential symptoms of ovarian cancer

Aside from the signs and symptoms researchers studied, additional symptoms of ovarian cancer can include an upset stomach , decreased appetite, constipation or diarrhea, unusual extreme fatigue and pain during sexual activity, notes Joshua G. Cohen, MD, FACOG, FACS , Medical Director of the Gynecologic Cancer program at City of Hope Orange County and a board-certified gynecologic oncologist.

Why is ovarian cancer difficult to diagnose?

“Ovarian cancer is hard to detect because the disease presents itself with symptoms that are vague,” explains Mona S. Jhaveri, PhD , Cancer Researcher and Founder at Music Beats Cancer. “Most women ignore the symptoms until it's too late, and the disease has spread beyond the ovaries. In this case, the chances of a woman surviving her cancer has significantly diminished.”

Additionally, there is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer. And it cannot be detected by way of cervical cancer screenings, notes Raj Dasgupta, MD , Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health.

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While bloating, feeling full quickly, abdominal pain and needing to urinate often are known to be associated with ovarian cancer, they can also have many other causes, he adds.

Early stages of ovarian cancer often cause no symptoms at all. That also makes it challenging to diagnose, adds Dr. Cohen.

Who is at risk of ovarian cancer?

It’s important to note that the risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. And half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older.

Another significant risk factor is carrying around extra pounds, as fat tissue can produce excess estrogen. Having a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer (or having had breast cancer yourself ) increases your risk, too.

“It’s important for women to speak with their physician about their possible risk factors for gynecologic cancers,” says Dr. Cohen. “20 percent of ovarian cancer is due to genes inherited from your mom or dad. If we know this, we can take measures to prevent this cancer from developing.”

When potential ovarian cancer symptoms warrant testing

Early intervention is critical to enhance chances of surviving ovarian cancer. But how can you tell when these symptoms may warrant further investigation?

“Because these symptoms are common, it's important to notice if they continue for a while or happen often without a clear cause,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “If any of these symptoms last more than a few weeks or are recurring, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. If symptoms persist for over a month, consider specific tests like a blood test for the cancer marker CA125.”

Your doctor can only discern cancer with a "gold standard" cancer test like a biopsy. But ovarian cancer biopsies are invasive because they require a surgical procedure, cautions Jhaveri. This is why non-invasive testing, such as the CA125, is more ideal. It helps rule out conditions that share these symptoms but are not cancerous, she notes.

When ovarian cancer is detected at an early stage, more treatment plan options are likely to be available. And the five-year survival rate is significantly higher (close to 90 percent), says Dr. Cohen.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.