The hidden symptoms of ovarian cancer we might be overlooking

We need to become more familiar with the signs of ovarian cancer

The charity fears many people are ignoring the hidden symptoms of ovarian cancer, which is leading to later diagnosis for many.

The charity Target Ovarian Cancer has been looking into how some of the symptoms continue to go undetected by patients and GPs alike.

Their latest data has suggested that not enough people are aware of the key symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Only one in five people know that bloating is actually a symptom.

Two-thirds of people surveyed knew that stomach pain was a symptom, but "hardly anyone" knew that feeling full very quickly or needing to pee more was also a symptom.

The survey also found that 40% of women think that a smear test can detect ovarian cancer, which it cannot.

Annwen Jones OBE, the Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, explained to Glamour:

"These figures are incredibly disappointing. We know we’ve shifted the dial in the past 10 years, through the dedication of thousands of Target Ovarian Cancer’s campaigners. But it is not enough.

"Knowing the symptoms is crucial for everyone. We need to make sustained and large-scale government-backed symptoms campaigns a reality.”

So what are the symptoms we need to look out for?

• Persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes
• Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite
• Pelvic or abdominal pain (that's your tummy and below)
• Urinary symptoms (needing to pee more urgently or more often than usual)

Other symptoms may include:

• Changes in bowel habits (eg diarrhea or constipation)
• Extreme fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Any bleeding after menopause should always be investigated by a GP

Symptoms will be frequent, meaning they happen more than 12 times a month, and they are persistent and new.

If you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, you should contact your GP immediately.