‘Persistent’ is the key word. Most of us feel bloated from time to time, but if you feel or look constantly bloated for three weeks or more, then you should see your doctor to rule out anything serious. 

It is difficult to explain what persistent bloating can look and feel like as it varies from person to person. Your stomach may feel tight, hard, look , swollen and your clothes may feel tighter around your waist. 

Knowing what to look for and getting symptoms checked is really important. Ovarian cancer is often (and incorrectly) known as the ‘silent’ gynae cancer, because people think that it doesn’t cause symptoms until it is advanced (late-stage cancer). Persistent bloating is more likely to be caused by something less serious than cancer, but it is always worth getting checked.  The earlier ovarian cancer is caught, the more treatment options there are, and the best possible chance you have of successful treatment.  

A build-up of fluid in the abdomen, called ascites, is the main cause of bloating in women with ovarian cancer. This is a key sign of advanced ovarian cancer.  

You can follow the ‘rule of three’. If you’ve had symptoms for three weeks or more, then visit your GP. You can also keep a symptoms diary to help explain them to your GP during your appointment. If the treatment your doctor gives you for your symptoms doesn’t work or investigations into potential digestive issues don’t show anything, do go back and try again and let them know you’re worried about ovarian cancer. A new rule called ‘Jess’s Rule’ was introduced for GPs in 2025 that says if a patient presents three times with the same, worsening, or unexplained symptoms without a clear diagnosis, GPs must review, investigate, or escalate care. If you’ve had to see your GP on three or more occasions for these symptoms, and haven’t been referred to a specialist, ask for a referral.  

Going back and forth between doctors can be frustrating whilst waiting for a diagnosis – but it is unlikely to be ovarian cancer in most cases. IBS and similar conditions are more common and the natural route a GP may take at first. But it’s important to be firm if you feel that you’re being misdiagnosed, explain that you are concerned about ovarian cancer and ask for investigations such as a pelvic scan and blood tests.  

It could be, but don’t automatically put bloating down to weight gain. If your waistband is constantly tight and you haven’t been consuming more calories than normal, your bloating could be due to something other than putting on weight. It is common for women and people with gynae organs to gain a little weight after going through the menopause, so don’t panic if this happens to you. If in doubt, visit your doctor just in case. 

As well as an unexpected increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes), the main symptoms of ovarian cancer are: 
-Feeling full quickly, loss of appetite or feeling sick 
-Pelvic and/or abdominal pain 
-Needing to wee (urinate) more often or more urgently 
-Changes in bowel habits 
-Less common symptoms are: back pain, losing weight unexpectedly, feeling tired, and vaginal bleeding that is different or new. 

Unlike cervical cancer, there is currently no NHS screening programme for ovarian cancer. Remember, any screening method is a test for people who are asymptomatic (for people who don’t have symptoms). If you are experiencing symptoms, speak with your doctor to get investigations.  

The ‘patient’ pictures used by the media to illustrate ovarian cancer are not always representative of the typical ovarian cancer patient. Ovarian cancer is most common after the menopause. It is extremely rare in women under 40, but it can and does happen to anyone with ovaries at any age. If you are worried about any symptoms you have, do visit your GP. You can also call Ask Eve to speak to one of our nurses for more information and support.