Why ovarian cancer is hard to detect early and what women should know
Doctors say ovarian cancer is often detected late because its symptoms mimic everyday health problems and there is no reliable routine screening test. That makes awareness of persistent warning signs, family history and timely medical evaluation especially important.
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to detect in its early stages, mainly because the symptoms are often vague and mistaken for everyday health problems.
According to Dr Aseem Kumar Samar, Director - Medical Oncology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, the disease frequently goes unnoticed until it has already advanced, making treatment more challenging and affecting survival rates.
Unlike cervical or breast cancer, ovarian cancer does not have a standard screening test that can reliably detect the disease early in the general population. This means that recognising symptoms and seeking medical attention at the right time becomes extremely important.
Globally, ovarian cancer continues to be a major health concern. According to GLOBOCAN data, more than 3.2 lakh women worldwide were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022, while over 2 lakh deaths were linked to the disease. India is among the Asian countries carrying a high burden of ovarian cancer cases.
SYMPTOMS THAT OFTEN GO UNNOTICED
One of the biggest problems with ovarian cancer is that the symptoms appear very common and harmless in the beginning. Many women may ignore them or confuse them with digestive issues, hormonal changes, or stress-related problems.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Persistent bloating
- Abdominal swelling
- Pelvic or stomach pain
- Feeling full very quickly while eating
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained fatigue
Doctors say the key issue is persistence. Occasional bloating or stomach discomfort may not be alarming, but symptoms that continue for weeks, become more frequent, or feel different from a woman’s normal health pattern should not be ignored.
Research shows that nearly 75% of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed only after the disease has reached an advanced stage. This is largely because the early signs are often mistaken for gastrointestinal or hormonal problems.
WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?
Age remains one of the strongest risk factors for ovarian cancer. The risk begins to rise significantly after the age of 35 and peaks between 55 and 64 years.
Genetics also play an important role. Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at a higher risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer.
Other factors that may increase risk include:
- Endometriosis
- Obesity
- Infertility
- Late menopause
- Smoking
- Hormone replacement therapy
However, doctors stress that risk factors do not guarantee someone will develop ovarian cancer. Many women diagnosed with the disease may not have a strong family history or obvious warning signs.
WHY EARLY DETECTION IS SO DIFFICULT
Unlike cervical cancer, where screening methods such as Pap smears help detect disease early, ovarian cancer lacks a reliable universal screening test.
Blood tests like CA-125 and imaging methods such as ultrasounds can help support diagnosis, but they are not accurate enough for routine screening in all women.
Another challenge is that small ovarian tumours develop deep inside the pelvis, making them difficult to detect during regular physical examinations.
Because of these limitations, awareness of symptoms and timely medical consultation remain the most effective tools currently available for earlier diagnosis.
LACK OF AWARENESS REMAINS A CONCERN
Experts say awareness about ovarian cancer symptoms remains low in India, even in urban areas. Many women are more familiar with breast cancer or cervical cancer symptoms, while knowledge about ovarian cancer warning signs and genetic risks is still limited.
Doctors believe conversations around ovarian cancer should begin much earlier — before treatment becomes necessary. Paying attention to persistent symptoms, understanding family history, and seeking timely medical evaluation can make a major difference.
In many cancer cases, early diagnosis improves treatment success, reduces treatment intensity, and increases survival chances. For ovarian cancer, identifying the disease early remains one of the strongest advantages available today.