When To Call a Doctor

Ovarian cancer may cause early symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have one or more of the following symptoms almost daily for more than 2 or 3 weeks:

• Bloating.
• Pain in your belly or pelvis.
• Trouble eating, or feeling full quickly.
• Urinary problems, such as feeling an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual.

These symptoms may be common for some women. They may not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But the early symptoms of ovarian cancer follow a pattern:

• They start suddenly.
• They feel different than your normal digestive or menstrual problems.
• They happen almost every day and don't go away.

If you've been diagnosed

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about calling when you have problems, new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse.

Who to See

Health professionals who can evaluate your symptoms and your risk for ovarian cancer include:

• Nurse practitioner.
• Physician assistant.
• Internist.
• Gynecologist.
• Obstetrician.
• Family medicine physician.

Doctors who can manage your cancer treatment include:

• Gynecologic oncologist. Your long-term outcome (prognosis) is improved if you are under the care of an experienced gynecologic oncologist. His or her expertise can help determine the best treatment choices at the time of the initial surgery.⁵
• Medical oncologist (often called an "oncologist").

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.