September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Despite years of public health messaging, ovarian cancer still presents late in India — usually because four symptoms are dismissed as digestion, ageing or stress. This article is for the women, mothers, sisters and friends who can change that pattern this year.
On this page
- Symptom 1: Daily bloating that does not resolve
- Symptom 2: Feeling full after small meals
- Symptom 3: Urinating more often without infection
- Symptom 4: Constant lower abdominal pressure
- When to act
Symptom 1: Daily bloating that does not resolve
Persistent bloating — every day for 2+ weeks — that does not change with diet or bowel movement is the most commonly missed early sign. Many women self-medicate with antacids or dietary changes for months before seeking imaging.
Symptom 2: Feeling full after small meals
Early satiety happens when an enlarging ovarian mass or ascites presses on the stomach. If you find you cannot finish portions you previously enjoyed, this is not ‘just ageing’.
Symptom 3: Urinating more often without infection
A pelvic mass can press on the bladder, mimicking urinary tract infection. If urine cultures are negative but symptoms persist, an ultrasound is warranted.
Symptom 4: Constant lower abdominal pressure
Continuous (not cyclical) pelvic or lower-abdominal pressure for more than 2 weeks deserves evaluation, especially in women over 40 or with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer.
When to act
Two or more of these symptoms together, persisting beyond 2–3 weeks, warrant an ultrasound and CA-125 test. Most causes will be benign — but the small percentage that are not benefit enormously from early-stage diagnosis.
For evaluation in Ahmedabad, contact Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel on WhatsApp +91 76988 00333. External: NCI Ovarian Cancer Information. See also: Ovarian cancer overview and 10 hidden signs of ovarian cancer.
FAQs
Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
Around 15–20% of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited mutations, most commonly BRCA1 and BRCA2. If a first-degree relative had ovarian or breast cancer, genetic counselling is reasonable.
What does CA-125 tell me?
CA-125 is a tumour marker that can be elevated in ovarian cancer. It is not specific (it rises in endometriosis, fibroids, infections, pregnancy) and not very sensitive in early disease. It is used together with imaging.
Should I have routine ovarian cancer screening?
Population screening for low-risk women is not recommended (no test has shown mortality benefit). Women at high genetic risk may be offered targeted surveillance or risk-reducing surgery.
Can I share my reports for a remote review?
Yes — WhatsApp scanned reports to +91 76988 00333. Dr. Nishtha reviews and responds within 24–48 hours about whether further evaluation is needed.
Where is ovarian cancer surgery done in Ahmedabad?
Dr. Nishtha performs ovarian cancer surgery at Sterling Hospitals (Sindhubhavan), KD Hospital and Welcare Speciality Hospital. See our dedicated Sterling page.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified. For consultations: WhatsApp +91 76988 00333.