If you pay attention to your body and notice any of these six silent symptoms, you could save your own life.

Ovarian ca-nc-er has no current screening process, which means that you’ll usually know that you have it when it has spread to other areas of the body and the symptoms are hard to ignore.

The c-anc-er occurs in your ovaries, on either side of the womb, close to the fallopian tubes, or it can begin in a layer of tissue called the peritoneum, which supports the ovaries.

If c-ancer is found there, you’ll start treatment, which can be surgical, chemotherapy or targeted therapies to make sure that you’re can-cer free.

But first, it’s necessary to recognise the symptoms to be able to seek help.

Abdominal bloating

As per the National Library of Medicine, bloating is the second most commonly reported symptom that people notice before a c-anc-er diagnosis.

This could be bloating before or after eating, or particularly when you’re on your period.

It also can lead to a buildup of fluid buildup inside the belly as the cancer begins to spread.

Pelvic or stomach pain and other feelings

If you feel cramping, pressure, or pain in your pelvis or abdominals, you may need to call your GP.

Some believe it feels like menstrual cramps, but others feel like it’s a different sensation all together.

So, if you notice it at all, it’s safer to get checked.

Feeling full

There’s nothing wrong with feeling full after a large meal, but if you ate a light bight and feel stuffed, this could mean that there is fluid buildup that is caused by ovarian cancer.

Urinary changes

There are various reasons as to why a person will go through bladder changes in their life, but in case you experience any of these things, calling on the advice of a professional couldn’t hurt.

As the ovaries are close to the bladder, ovarian cancer can cause frequent urination, leaking, needing to pee with urgency, or pain or pressure in the bladder.

Changes to your cycle

In 2022, according to a report, 13 per cent of people noted vaginal bleeding as a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Bleeding or spotting between your periods, or after menopause can be a cause for concern.

Or changes to your discharge which are not normal for you can also be a red flag.

Bowel changes

It’s not only the bladder that can be affected by ovarian cancer, as a tumour could put also pressure on your intestines, causing indigestion, constipation, and even diarrhoea.

It can also give you back pain, make you tired, make you bleed after sex or have painful sex, and it can make you lose or gain weight.

Though there are many symptoms that are associated with ovarian cancer, if you notice even one, it’s better to be seen by a doctor, than to ignore the signs.