In short
Ovarian cancer is sometimes called silent, but it does have symptoms. See a GP if bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly or needing to pee more often happen most days for three weeks. There is no NHS screening programme for average-risk women. About 7,500 people are diagnosed in the UK each year, and most are found after the cancer has spread.
These symptoms are common and usually benign. Persistence is the clue: most days, for three weeks, and new for you. A smear test does not look at the ovaries.
What symptoms last three weeks?
GPs use persistence, not a single bloated evening, as the trigger to test.
- Bloating that does not come and go with a period
- Feeling full quickly or losing appetite
- Pain in the tummy or pelvis
- Needing to pee more often or more urgently
Why is ovarian cancer found late?
There is no national screening test. CA125 and ultrasound are used after symptoms. Published UK figures show around 85% of diagnoses at stage 3 or 4. Stage 1 five-year survival is over 90% — which is why three weeks of symptoms is the threshold to act.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careDoes a smear test pick up ovarian cancer?
No. Cervical screening checks the cervix. A recent normal smear does not explain persistent bloating.
Key takeaways
- Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, early fullness or urinary urgency most days for three weeks should be checked.
- There is no NHS ovarian screening programme for average-risk women.
- A smear test does not screen for ovarian cancer.
- Early-stage survival is high; most cases are still found later.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Is bloating before a period ovarian cancer?
Cyclical bloating with a period is common. Bloating that is new, on most days, and lasts three weeks should be checked.
Can you feel an ovarian tumour?
Not usually yourself. Do not wait to feel a lump. Ultrasound is how masses are seen.
Does HRT cause ovarian cancer?
Some studies link longer HRT use with a small rise in risk. HRT decisions are individual and should be made with a clinician.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.