Quick answer. Ovarian cancer often causes vague early symptoms such as persistent bloating, feeling full quickly and pelvic or abdominal discomfort, which is why it can be missed. If you have persistent bloating or pelvic symptoms most days for several weeks, see a doctor.
Ovarian cancer is a growth that begins in or near the ovaries or fallopian tubes. One of the challenges is that early ovarian cancer often produces only vague symptoms – persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, or pelvic discomfort – which are easy to put down to everyday tummy upset. In Singapore it is one of the more common gynaecological cancers, and awareness of these persistent symptoms is important.
The reassuring message is that bloating and tummy symptoms have many ordinary, non-cancerous causes. What matters is the pattern: symptoms that are new, persistent and happening most days over several weeks deserve a check. This guide explains what ovarian cancer is, its symptoms and risk factors, how it is diagnosed and treated, and when to seek help.
At a glance
| Symptom | What to notice | When it is more concerning |
|---|---|---|
| Bloating | Tummy feels swollen or distended | Persistent, most days, over weeks |
| Feeling full quickly | Struggling to finish normal meals | New and ongoing, with loss of appetite |
| Pelvic / abdominal pain | Discomfort low in the tummy or pelvis | Persistent rather than coming and going briefly |
| Urinary changes | Needing to pass urine more often or urgently | New, persistent and unexplained |
| Other | Unexplained weight loss, change in bowels, fatigue | Persistent and not settling |
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries or, as is now understood for many cases, in the nearby fallopian tubes. The ovaries are two small organs in the pelvis that store eggs and make hormones. There are several types of ovarian cancer; the most common arise from the surface (epithelial) cells.
It is more common after the menopause, though it can occur at younger ages, particularly where there is a strong family history. In Singapore it is among the more frequently diagnosed cancers in women. Because early symptoms are often subtle, knowing what to look for – and acting on persistent changes – is the most useful thing readers can take away.
Symptoms & signs
Early ovarian cancer often causes vague symptoms that can be mistaken for common tummy or bladder problems. The key is symptoms that are persistent and frequent – happening most days for several weeks. They may include:
- Persistent bloating or a swollen tummy
- Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- Needing to pass urine more often or more urgently
- Changes in bowel habit
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
Most people with these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer, but persistent, new symptoms should be assessed rather than ignored.
Causes & risk factors
The exact cause is not known, but several factors can raise the risk:
- Older age, particularly after the menopause
- A family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Never having been pregnant, or having children later in life
- Endometriosis
- Certain types of hormone use after menopause
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop ovarian cancer, and many people diagnosed have no obvious risk factors. If you have a strong family history, your doctor can discuss whether genetic assessment is appropriate.
How it's diagnosed
If ovarian cancer is suspected, a doctor will take your history and examine you, then arrange tests, which may include:
- A pelvic examination to feel for any masses
- An ultrasound scan of the pelvis, often including a transvaginal scan
- A blood test such as CA-125, used alongside other findings rather than on its own
- Further imaging such as a CT scan to assess the extent if cancer is found
- Tissue sampling or surgery to confirm the diagnosis and type
A single test is rarely conclusive on its own; doctors put the picture together from several assessments.
Treatment options
Treatment is planned by a specialist team and depends on the type and how far the cancer has spread, as well as your overall health. It commonly involves:
- Surgery to remove the cancer, which may include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, womb and surrounding tissue
- Chemotherapy, given before or after surgery in many cases
- Targeted therapies in selected situations, sometimes guided by genetic testing of the tumour
- Supportive care to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life throughout
The right combination is individual, and your team will explain the plan and expected outcomes for your situation. Outcomes vary widely depending on the type and stage, which is why timely assessment of persistent symptoms matters.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
See a doctor if you have persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, or pelvic or abdominal symptoms most days for three weeks or more, especially if these are new for you. Also see a doctor for unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in bowel or bladder habit, or new abdominal swelling. These symptoms usually have an ordinary cause, but persistent ones should be checked.
Seek urgent care if you have severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or a rapidly swelling, painful abdomen, and call 995 if you are severely unwell.
Ovarian cancer is managed by gynaecological and cancer specialists. You can find a specialist through our directories of oncologists in Singapore and gynaecologists in Singapore.
What to expect at the appointment
It can help to keep a simple symptom diary before your visit, noting how often you feel bloated or full, any pain, and changes in appetite, weight or bowel and bladder habits. The doctor will ask about these patterns and your family history, then examine your abdomen and pelvis. Tests such as a pelvic ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test may be arranged. Remember that one test alone is rarely conclusive; doctors build the picture from several assessments.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could my symptoms have a more common, non-cancerous cause?
- What tests do you recommend, and what will they tell us?
- Given my family history, should I consider genetic assessment?
- If something is found, who will be involved in my care?
Costs and financing in Singapore
Scans, blood tests, surgery and chemotherapy are available at public hospitals with subsidies for eligible patients. MediSave can generally be used towards hospitalisation and surgery within set limits, and MediShield Life helps protect against large inpatient bills. If you have a strong family history, ask whether genetic counselling is appropriate and what support is available.
Common questions
Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?
There is currently no reliable routine screening test for women at average risk. This is why being aware of persistent symptoms and acting on them is so important.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor?
If bloating or pelvic symptoms are new for you and happening most days for about three weeks or more, see a doctor rather than waiting longer.
Related guides
- Best Oncology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- oncology clinics directory
- Myasthenia gravis
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Cushing's syndrome
- Endometrial cancer
- Bartholin's cyst
Sources
Part of our Cancer care & screening guides · Browse all health topics