Ovarian cancer, often called “The Silent Killer,” typically shows no symptoms until it’s advanced. When symptoms appear, they are vague and often mistaken for less serious conditions. According to MedicineNet, “only 20 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed early, when the disease is most curable.”

Still, being alert can help. The most common symptoms include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling

Persistent pelvic or low back pain

Changes in bowel habits (like constipation)

Frequent or urgent urination

Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite

Pain during sex

Fatigue

You don’t need to have all symptoms—“sometimes one can be enough to signal something suspicious.” If symptoms persist for over two weeks, see your doctor.

Risk factors include age over 50, family history (especially of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer), never giving birth, hormone therapy, smoking, obesity, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Early detection is difficult, so regular checkups and genetic testing (for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations) are advised if you’re at risk. A healthy lifestyle may also help lower risk.

Until better screening exists, “listen to your body”—awareness and prompt action are key to catching ovarian cancer early.