Since ovarian cancer can grow rapidly, within three to six months it can progress from an early stage to an advanced stage. We know that early symptoms are vague and often not very gynecologic in nature. So how does one distinguish between abdominal symptoms due to a flu bug or a developing food intolerance versus the possibility of ovarian cancer growth?

Some recent studies looked at the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. The ones most commonly associated were pelvic/abdominal pain, increased abdominal size or bloating, and difficulty eating or feeling full. These are rather general symptoms, but they are more likely to be caused by ovarian cancer when they have been present for less than a year and occur more than 12 days per month. This does not mean that you have ovarian cancer if these symptoms occur in this pattern, but definitely don't ignore them and hope they go away.

Whenever you have any symptoms, vague or otherwise, that persist and occur frequently it's time to go to the doctor. Make sure there is a plan for evaluation with scans depending upon the degree of suspicion and the severity of symptoms. It may not be required to scan right away if the physical examination is normal and something else explains your symptoms. However, if the symptoms persist without explanation further evaluation is required. Although these symptoms may not lead to an "early" diagnosis, it is best to diagnose ovarian cancer as early as possible. For example, even in advanced stages, 3 months or so can make a difference as far as successful surgery (optimal cytoreduction or debulking) is concerned. If cancer is truly the cause of your symptoms then the less disease that is found, the better the chance for cure.