'How I knew I had ovarian cancer’: Survivors and caregiver discuss symptoms

Bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain are three of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. They’re also some of the easiest to overlook. Perhaps it’s because they can also be signs of so many other conditions, including indigestion, a stomach virus, and even the cramps that can accompany a normal menstrual cycle.

“I attributed my bloating to a strong course of antibiotics I’d just finished,” says Angela Hernandez, who was 32 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  “My gynecologist thought the same thing — until she discovered a hard spot when she pressed down on my belly during a well-woman exam.”

Some women experience such severe bloating that it distorts their appearance.

“I’m a small person, so it was pretty easy to notice,” says Carla Peoples, who was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer at age 65. “My bloating started in December. By the time I was diagnosed the following July, I felt like I was 10 months pregnant. There was also a weird hardening in my abdomen.” 

“Susan’s stomach suddenly inflated within two weeks of returning from a trip to India,” recalls Mac Dunwoody, whose late wife was treated here for stage IV ovarian cancer. “She went from having a flat belly to looking like she was seven months pregnant. And Susan was in incredible shape. She exercised almost every day.”  

A new memory jogger for ovarian cancer symptoms

To learn more about ovarian cancer symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor, we consulted Jolyn Sharpe Taylor, M.D., a surgeon who specializes in gynecologic cancers.

“Bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain are three of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms,” Taylor explains. “Feeling full quickly and exhaustion are the other two. That’s why some doctors use the acronym ‘BEACH’ as a memory device for ovarian cancer symptoms. BEACH stands for:

• Bloating
• Early satiety, or feeling full quickly
• Abdominal pain
• Changes to bowel or bladder habits
• Heightened fatigue

“Body changes reflecting a ‘new normal’ are what you’re looking for,” Taylor adds. “So, if you feel bloated after a heavy meal or have diarrhea for a few days after getting back from a trip, don’t panic. I’d suggest calling your doctor if you have any of these symptoms for most days over two weeks.”

Other factors that may increase your ovarian cancer risk

Family history and your genetic profile may also affect your risk level for ovarian cancer. 

Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and 2, and hereditary cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, can increase your odds of developing ovarian cancer. That means you might need to be monitored more closely for ovarian cancer than people who are at average risk.

“The frequency of your follow-ups will vary, based on your specific situation,” notes Taylor, “but talk with your doctor to find out how often you should be screened.”

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