Ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be similar to other common conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose early.

Symptoms are more likely to develop as the cancer grows and may include:

• pressure, pain or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvis
• a swollen or bloated abdomen
• appetite changes (e.g. not feeling like eating, feeling full quickly)
• changes in toilet habits (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea, passing urine more often, increased wind)
• indigestion and feeling sick (nausea)
• feeling very tired
• unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• changes to periods such as heavy or irregular bleeding, or vaginal bleeding after menopause
• pain when having sex.

If you have any of these symptoms and they are new for you, are severe or continue for more than 2–3 weeks, it is best to have a check-up. Keep a note of how often the symptoms occur and make an appointment to see your general practitioner (GP).

Ovarian Cancer Australia has produced a symptom diary. You can also use it to record your symptoms and help talk about your concerns with your doctor. 

What are the risk factors?

The causes of ovarian cancer are largely unknown, but things that can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer include:

• age – ovarian cancer is most common over the age of 50 after periods have stopped. The risk increases with age
• genetic factors – up to 1 in 5 serous ovarian cancers (the most common subtype) are linked to an inherited faulty gene, and a smaller proportion of other types of ovarian cancer are also related to genetic faults
• family history – having close blood relatives (e.g. mother, sister) diagnosed with ovarian, uterine, breast, bowel or uterine cancers, or having Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry can increase risk
• endometriosis – this is a condition caused by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus
• reproductive history – women who have not had children, who have had assisted reproduction (e.g. in-vitro fertilisation or IVF), or who have had children after the age of 35 may be slightly more at risk
• lifestyle factors – some types of ovarian cancer have been linked to smoking or carrying extra weight
• hormonal factors – for example, early puberty or late menopause. Some studies have suggested that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) – formerly called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – may slightly increase the risk of ovarian cancer if taken for 5 years or more, but the risk is very low.

Does ovarian cancer run in families?

Ovarian cancer most often occurs for unknown reasons but somecases are due to an inherited faulty gene. Having an inherited faulty gene does not mean you will develop ovarian cancer, and you can inherit a faulty gene without a history of cancer in your family.

About 15% of women with ovarian cancer have an inherited fault in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or other similar genes. The BRCA gene faults can also increase the risk of developing breast cancer and fallopian tube cancer.

Less commonly, a group of gene faults known as Lynch syndrome is associated with ovarian cancer and can also increase the risk of developing cancer of the bowel or uterus.

As other genetic conditions are discovered, they may be included in genetic tests for cancer risk. 

Listen to Cancer Council's podcast episode Genetic Tests and Cancer.