Health3 min(s) read
Published 09:23 08 May 2026 GMT
The symptoms often overlooked as everyday health issues that could be a sign of ovarian cancer have been revealed by a doctor.
An urgent warning not to ignore subtle symptoms has been sent out by Dr Asiya Muala.
She told Kent Live that in order to improve the outcome of a cancer diagnosis, it is vital to recognize “persistent changes in the body”.
Dr Muala said: "Many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer overlap with common conditions like bloating or indigestion, which is why they are often dismissed."
According to the expert, the crucial sign that there is something wrong is that the symptoms persist and do not improve over time.
"It’s not about occasional symptoms, but those that are new, persistent and happening more frequently,” she said.
Ovarian cancer often takes a long time to be diagnosed, as it begins presenting as common minor conditions such as IBS or gastrointestinal issues. Many women can ignore the subtle symptoms, such as bloating, mistaking them for a food intolerance or menstrual problems.
Loss of appetite is a crucial indicator that something could be wrong. Dr Muala said: “If someone finds they are getting full much more quickly than usual, or struggling to finish meals, that can be a sign something isn’t quite right.
“It’s a change that people often don’t connect to anything serious.”
Another telltale sign that there is something to be investigated is constant bloating that does not subside, no matter what you have eaten or where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Dr Maula said: "Many women experience bloating at some point, but with ovarian cancer it tends to be persistent and not linked to specific foods.
“If it’s happening most days or doesn’t improve, it’s important to take note.”
Abdominal pain is another symptom that could be overlooked as a less serious issue, such as Dysmenorrhea, painful cramping before or during menstruation.
Again Dr Muala warns that, "Any persistent discomfort in this area that doesn’t have an obvious cause should be checked. Even if the pain is mild, it’s the consistency and persistence that matters.
“If something feels different or ongoing, it’s always worth speaking to a Doctor.
"Understanding what is normal for your body and noticing when something changes can make a significant difference.”
