In our busy lives, we often dismiss minor health issues, thinking they’re just part of daily discomfort. Constipation, a common and often trivialised symptom can sometimes be a red flag for ovarian cancer. Understanding the connection between these conditions and seemingly unrelated symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and better outcomes. We spoke to our expert Dr Pritam Kataria, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, who explained the connection.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

“Ovarian cancer ranks as the 18th most common cancer globally and is the 14th leading cause of cancer-related deaths. One of the significant challenges with ovarian cancer is its early detection. Symptoms can be vague and resemble those of other, less severe conditions. Additionally, the ovaries are small and located deep within the abdomen, making them difficult for doctors to detect during routine physical exams,” said Dr Kataria.

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition reports that only around 15% of ovarian cancer cases are detected in the early stages. Often, ovarian cancer does not present any symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can appear at any stage. However, they often develop later as the growths begin to exert pressure on nearby organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The most common symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pain in the pelvis or abdomen
• Feeling full soon after starting to eat
• Having more urgent or frequent urination

Other symptoms include:

• Indigestion or an upset stomach
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Constipation
• Abdominal swelling
• Menstrual changes, such as irregular bleeding

“These symptoms can result from various causes and aren’t exclusively linked to ovarian cancer. However, if you experience any new, frequent, or persistent symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional,” added Dr Kataria.

Constipation: A Symptom of Ovarian and Vaginal Cancers

Constipation is defined as the slow movement of stool through the large intestine. The longer stool remains in the intestine, the more fluid it loses, resulting in dry and hard stools. Signs and symptoms of constipation can include:

• Experiencing two or fewer bowel movements each week
• Dry, hard, or lumpy stools
• Pain during bowel movements
• Difficulty passing stool
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Feelings of bloating or nausea

Constipation may indicate cancers that exert pressure on abdominal organs, block stool movement or affect the spinal nerves connected to the bowel. Cancers that may cause constipation include colon cancer, rectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain tumours. Specifically, ovarian cancer can lead to constipation by pressing on the rectum or colon.

Moreover, peritoneal spread, when cancer spreads over the intestine can disrupt normal bowel function due to nerve involvement. In some cases, ovarian or vaginal cancer may infiltrate the colon or rectum, making it painful or difficult to pass stools.

Diagnosis of Ovarian or Vaginal Cancer

If you experience new-onset or persistent constipation, a physician may perform the following tests:

• Digital rectal examination: A manual examination to assess the rectum and surrounding tissues.
• Colonoscopy: A procedure that allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon and rectum.
• Contrast-enhanced CT scan: Imaging tests that provide detailed images of the abdomen and pelvic area to identify abnormalities.

Message From The Expert

Dr Kataria concluded, “Once the diagnosis of ovarian or vaginal cancer is done the treatment will be initiated either surgery or chemotherapy. The initiation of treatment in a few days would help in relieving the symptoms. New onset constipation or recent changes in bowel habits should not be ignored. If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you should contact a physician and get investigated. While these symptoms are not exclusive to cancer, timely investigation can lead to an early diagnosis and complete cure.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]