Ranking as the third most frequent gynecologic cancer globally and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, ovarian cancer is often whispered about in medical circles as the “silent killer,” and for good reason. In 2024, global statistics indicate an estimated 324,603 new cases of ovarian cancer worldwide, resulting in 206,956 deaths.
It usually stems from a malignant tumor in the ovary, and the most commonly known epithelial ovarian cancer arises from abnormal cells growing uncontrollably. A woman’s lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is approximately 1.3%, with the risk increasing significantly with age and in women with a family history or specific gene mutations, which makes a strong case for early detection of the disease.
And although it’s hard to spot the signs distinctly, as they often hide behind subtle signs that many women overlook, it’s imperative that we pay attention to subtle early signs, like bloating, pelvic discomfort, or feeling full quickly – most of which are commonly dismissed as digestive issues or stress. Yet, recognizing these signals early can dramatically change outcomes.
Why put an emphasis on early detection? Because survival rates for ovarian cancer detected in the early stages reach as high as 90%, but only around 15-20% of cases are caught early. Women must learn to listen to their bodies and act on persistent changes, no matter how mild they seem. In order to do so, here are some subtle yet early signs that could make all the difference in the world.