With research showing the number of cases of ovarian cancer among younger women on the rise, it's never been more important to know the key symptoms to look out for.
The NHS says ovarian cancer most commonly afects people over 50 and can run in families. It says: "The symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, are not always obvious. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, but early diagnosis can mean it is more treatable."
According to the NHS, the symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:
- a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
- no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
A recent study found: "The incidence of ovarian cancer has been increasing substantially among younger females, probably caused by the increasing prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, estrogen exposure and nulliparity."
Nulliparity means never having had a live birth.
