So, how can you tell if stomach bloating is something more serious and what signs indicate you should see a doctor?
According to the charity Target Ovarian Cancer, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are frequent, meaning they usually occur more than 12 times a month or more, and are persistent.
Therefore, if you notice persistent bloating and an increased abdominal size, rather than bloating which comes and goes, this could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
In addition, if you have difficulty eating or feel full quickly, this could also signify ovarian cancer.
Other symptoms of the disease include pelvic or abdominal pain, and needing to urinate more urgently or more often than normal.
Occasionally there can be other symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, extreme tiredness and unexplained weight loss.
“Critically, it is not just the presence of symptoms that helps to indicate ovarian cancer,” said Target Ovarian Cancer.
“Symptoms tend to be more persistent and frequent than similar symptoms caused by other conditions, for example, irritable bowel syndrome.”
The NHS also notes the similarity between symptoms of ovarian cancer and common conditions like IBS.
The health body advises seeing your GP if you’ve been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeks, or if you have other symptoms of ovarian cancer which won’t go away.
Although it’s unlikely you have cancer, it is best to check, the NHS advises.
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you could also be at a higher risk of getting it.
In addition, if you’ve already seen your GP but your symptoms continue or get worse, you should go back and explain this, as you could have been misdiagnosed.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
It mainly affects women over the age of 50 who have been through the menopause, but can sometimes affect younger women.
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but you’re more likely to develop it if you are over 50, have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or are overweight.
You’re also more at risk of developing ovarian cancer if you have has hormone replacement therapy – although any increase in risk is very small.
If you have endometriosis – a condition where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found outside the womb – you could also be more at risk of developing ovarian cancer.
In most cases, a bloated stomach could just be a sign of excess wind, constipation, swallowing air or IBS.
However, if you do experience persistent bloating and other symptoms of ovarian cancer, you should see your GP.
