Cancer guide
Ovarian cancer
By Cura Editorial Team ·
Often called silent, but the symptoms are real and specific — bloating, pelvic pressure, and feeling full fast. BRCA and HRD testing now shape treatment for almost every patient.
What to know first
- There is no reliable screening test — symptom awareness is the earliest signal.
- BRCA1/2 and HRD (homologous recombination deficiency) testing determines PARP-inhibitor eligibility.
- A gynecologic oncologist (not a general gyn) should lead surgery — outcomes are meaningfully better.
When to see a doctor
- Persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Feeling full quickly or a new change in appetite
- Urinary urgency or frequency without an infection
Frequently asked questions
What are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer?
The signs that most often lead to a ovarian cancer diagnosis are: persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks; feeling full quickly or a new change in appetite; urinary urgency or frequency without an infection. Any of these lasting more than a couple of weeks is worth a same-week appointment, even though most turn out to be something else.
When should I see a doctor about possible ovarian cancer?
See a doctor promptly if a symptom is new, persistent, or getting worse rather than better. Describe when it started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse — that detail is what decides whether you get imaging or testing at the first visit.
What should I know first about ovarian cancer?
Often called silent, but the symptoms are real and specific — bloating, pelvic pressure, and feeling full fast. BRCA and HRD testing now shape treatment for almost every patient. There is no reliable screening test — symptom awareness is the earliest signal. BRCA1/2 and HRD (homologous recombination deficiency) testing determines PARP-inhibitor eligibility. A gynecologic oncologist (not a general gyn) should lead surgery — outcomes are meaningfully better.
What questions should I ask after a ovarian cancer diagnosis?
Ask what the exact diagnosis is and how it is staged, what the treatment options are and in what order they would happen, what the goal of treatment is, which side effects to expect, and whether a second opinion or clinical trial makes sense for your situation.
Related guides
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