Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Nearly 20,000 women in the United States will receive an ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries) diagnosis in 2024.

“The silent killer”

There is no screening test for ovarian cancer, so it can go a long time without being caught. 

Symptoms of ovarian cancer often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other conditions.

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it harder to treat. 

Black women are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer than white women. 

BEAT ovarian cancer — know the signs and symptoms

Bloating 

Eating less and feeling full quickly

Abdominal and pelvic pain that is ongoing

Trouble with your bladder or bowels

Know your risk

Because there’s no screening for ovarian cancer, knowing your genetic risk factors is key to prevention. 

• Genetic testing (done with a simple blood test) can identify inherited gene changes that increase ovarian cancer risk. 

• Genetic testing helps the person being tested as well as their children and other family members understand their risk. 

Questions to ask yourself

• Are you experiencing symptoms like those described in BEAT?

• Do you have a family history of ovarian cancer and/or want to understand your genetic risk?

Talk to your healthcare provider. Being proactive about ovarian cancer is important. 

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.