I ignored my bloating and stomach pains for months and I had ovarian cancer at 24 - you MUST see a doctor if you suspect something is wrong
- Chloe Etheridge, 24, from Kent,ignored her own cancer symptoms for months
- She suffered from bloating, difficulty with eating and bad stomach pains
- She is now urging other young women to go and see a doctor if they are worried
By Ellen Coughlan For Mailonline
Published: | Updated:
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4 View commentsA graduate who ignored her own cancer symptoms for months is urging other young women to go and see a doctor if they are worried.
Chloe Etheridge, 24, from Whitstable, Kent, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven months after she started feeling ill.
She 'ignored' symptoms like bloating and difficulty with eating until her stomach pain became too bad, she says.
Chloe Etheridge, 24, from Whitstable, Kent,who ignored her own cancer symptoms for months is urging other young women to go and see a doctor if they are worried
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She then went to A&E in April 2022, where they did an ultrasound - which revealed she had two tumours on her ovaries.
Chloe had removal surgery earlier this month and is expected to make a full recovery.
But she wants to speak out to urge other young women to see a doctor if they are worried - and is challenging 'misconceptions'.
Chloe said: 'Book your GP appointment and don't stop going until you get an answer.
She 'ignored' symptoms like bloating and difficulty with eating until her stomach pain became too bad
Chloe had removal surgery earlier this month at Charing Cross Hospital in London and is expected to make a full recovery
'If you feel like you don't have an adequate answer - keep going back.'
Chloe says she first started experiencing what she now knows to be ovarian cancer symptoms in December 2021.
These included bloating, eating problems and abdominal pains.
But she ignored them for months, only going to see a doctor in April last year when the pain became too severe.
Chloe said: 'I ignored all of those things - which wasn't the right thing to do.
'In April I had really bad stomach pain so I had to go to A&E and I found out I had tumours on my ovaries. One was 18cm long and one was 11cm long.
Chloe was diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer - a disease in which cancer cells form in the germ cells of the ovary
'Between April and July, we knew there was something wrong with me, but we didn't know exactly what my diagnosis was which took three months.'
Chloe received her diagnosis on July 11, 2022 - and was told to pack her bags and go for chemotherapy the next day at Charing Cross Hospital in London.
She said: 'I was relieved to finally get a diagnosis. The waiting was horrible and knowing all the time it is growing bigger I wanted to get started on the treatment.
'I thought it would be a really cinematic moment where you go to the doctor with your mum and cry - but it was nothing like that.
'You go into action mode. I had to get on, it was a busy time, and I felt numb thinking, "Right we need to get on with this".'
Chloe was diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer - a disease in which cancer cells form in the germ cells of the ovary.
She said: 'This cancer mainly affects young women and children.
'Since then I have had six months of chemotherapy, which I started the day after my diagnosis.
'The doctor said it was one of the most aggressive forms of chemo they could prescribe and it is only available at two hospitals in the UK.
Chloe had an operation on January 12 of this year to try and remove as much of the two tumours as possible andshe is 'expected to make a full recovery'
'It was incredibly brutal. My chemotherapy had seven different chemical components.
'The side effects were horrendous, I had nausea, fatigue, hearing loss - I still can't hear some frequencies now.'
Chloe had an operation on January 12 of this year to try and remove as much of the two tumours as possible.
She said the procedure went 'really well', and she is 'expected to make a full recovery'.
Chloe now wants to warn others about her symptoms - so they can get checked out.
She said: 'I did not realise they were symptoms of cancer. I don't think young women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
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'There are a lot of misconceptions about getting it when you're old or having a family history.
'I didn't have any of them. The only thing you need is ovaries.
'I think for women because we have periods, it is assumed that we are meant to live with pain but that should not be the case.
'If you are feeling uncomfortable, you should go to your doctor and get it checked out.'
WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER AND WHAT ARE ITS SYMPTOMS?
Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system that contain their eggs. There are two ovaries and both are attached to the womb. Cancer on the ovaries can spread to the nearby bowel and bladder.
It is the eighth most common cancer among women, andis most common in women who have had the menopause but it can affect women of any age.
About 66 per cent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the more advanced stages of the disease.
At the time of diagnosis, 60 per cent of ovarian cancers will have already spread to other parts of the body, bringing the five-year survival rate down to 30 per cent from 90 per cent in the earliest stage.
It’s diagnosed so late because its location in the pelvis means the symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognise, particularly early on.
They're often the same as symptoms of less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).
The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Feeling constantly bloated
- A swollen tummy
- Discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
- Feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite
- Needing to pee more often or more urgently than normal
See your GP if:
You've been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeks
You have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won't go away – especially if you're over 50 or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, as you may be at a higher risk
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FAQs
Does your stomach stay bloated with ovarian cancer? ›
But, persistent bloating that doesn't go away is actually one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Bloating that's related to ovarian cancer may cause visible swelling in your abdomen. Your belly might feel full, puffy, or hard. You may also have other symptoms, like weight loss.
Does ovarian cancer bloating hurt? ›Main symptoms of ovarian cancer
a swollen tummy or feeling bloated. pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis) no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating. an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often.
If ovarian cancer blocks your lymphatic system, the part of your immune system that moves lymph fluid back into your bloodstream, the fluid will not drain correctly and may collect inside the abdomen. This fluid might make your belly swollen and extend outward.
What part of the abdomen hurts with ovarian cancer? ›Discomfort or Pain in the Pelvis
A common symptom of ovarian cancer that can easily be brushed off is pain in your abdomen, hips, or pelvis. Some will feel discomfort during sex. You may also have back pain or an upset stomach. Constipation is occasionally felt.
Abdominal discomfort: It could feel like acid reflux, a constant pain or a dull ache. This could also feel like pelvic pressure, which causes more-frequent urination.
How do you know if bloating is cancer? ›Bloating
Persistently feeling bloated and full is one of the most common early signs of ovarian cancer. And bloating accompanied by abdominal distension (visible swelling in your stomach) could be a red flag that there is a problem.
During the early stages of ovarian cancer, symptoms may be present but are often vague and ill-defined. Symptoms may include pelvic or abdominal discomfort, increased abdominal size or bloating, decreased appetite, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, or urinary symptoms (urgency and frequency).
What is the biggest symptom of ovarian cancer? ›Bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain are three of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. They're also some of the easiest to overlook. Perhaps it's because they can also be signs of so many other conditions, including indigestion, a stomach virus, and even the cramps that can accompany a woman's menstrual cycle.
What hurts when you have ovarian cancer? ›These symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency, according to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Ovarian cancer pain may also extend into the back, cause pain during sex, and, in advanced stages, cause leg pain.
What is ovarian cancer bloating like? ›Due to a buildup of fluid (ascites), a woman's belly can become swollen and distended. The bloating may be accompanied by pain or an uncomfortable feeling of tightness around the stomach, as well as indigestion and an increased need to pass gas.
What outward symptoms does a woman with ovarian cancer show? ›
Ovarian cancer symptoms may include: Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating. Changes in your eating habits, getting full early and losing your appetite. Vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, especially if the bleeding occurs outside of your typical menstrual cycle or after you've gone through menopause.
What kind of cancer causes your stomach to bloat? ›Bloating can also be a sign of other cancers, like breast, pancreatic, colon, and stomach cancer if cancer appears along the lining of the abdominal cavity, said Dr. Cobb.
Does ovarian cancer pain start suddenly? ›Ovarian cancer was long believed to remain “silent” until it spread. However, recent studies have confirmed that early-stage ovarian cancer can produce noticeable symptoms, some of which may come on suddenly.
Is ovarian cancer painful in early stages? ›Severe Pelvic Pain
Mild pelvic pain and pressure are common early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is common on all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer. Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating, and abdominal or back pain are common for ovarian cancer.
How often is the pain with ovarian cancer? ›Typically, symptoms occur 2 to 3 times per month and are often associated with menses, which may explain why these vague symptoms become less common and less severe as women age. In addition, women with ovarian cancer typically have symptoms of recent onset and have multiple symptoms that coexist.
What mimics ovarian cancer? ›Mayo Clinic: “Irritable bowel syndrome," "Premenstrual syndrome,” “Endometriosis," “Uterine Fibroids,” "Pelvic Inflammatory Disease," "Menstrual Cramps," "Urinary Tract Infections," “Ectopic Pregnancy," “Appendicitis,” "Colon Cancer."
How long can you have ovarian cancer before noticing? ›Ovarian cancer can go undetected for years without revealing its existence. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer symptoms are vague and at this time there is no accurate way to identify the disease in its earliest stages. As a result, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread throughout the pelvis and abdomen.
How do you rule out ovarian cancer? ›The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. TVUS (transvaginal ultrasound) is a test that uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by putting an ultrasound wand into the vagina.
Why do I feel bloated all the time and my stomach enlarged? ›It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Sometimes a bloated stomach can indicate a more serious medical condition.
What are the symptoms of stage 2 ovarian cancer? ›
- Abdominal bloating or swelling.
- Quickly feeling full when eating.
- Weight loss.
- Discomfort in the pelvic area.
- Fatigue.
- Back pain.
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.
- A frequent need to urinate.
The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test.
Can ovarian cancer be seen on ultrasound? ›Ultrasound is often the first test done if a problem with the ovaries is suspected. It can be used to find an ovarian tumor and to check if it is a solid mass (tumor) or a fluid-filled cyst. It can also be used to get a better look at the ovary to see how big it is and how it looks inside.
Do Pap smears detect ovarian cancer? ›The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancer except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.
How common is ovarian cancer in 20s? ›According to the National Cancer Institute, between 2014 and 2018, the percentage of new cases of ovarian cancer was 1.3% for individuals 20 and under, and 4% in individuals aged 20-34.
Does ovarian cancer pain come and go? ›Most women with ovarian cancer have only some of the symptoms, or may not notice any for some time. A lot of women we interviewed stressed that they did not think anything was seriously wrong because the symptoms are vague and tended to come and go or ease off after a while.
Does it hurt to walk with ovarian cancer? ›Take heed: leg pain is not commonly associated with new ovarian cancer cases. “Leg pain is rarely a complaint our patients bring to us,” says Peter Frederick, MD, FACOG, Chief of Clinical Gynecology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
What does ovarian cancer bloating feel like? ›Your stomach may feel and look puffy, swollen and often quite hard. If you feel like you need to pass wind or go to the toilet more often; or perhaps like you've eaten something that doesn't agree with you – which may actually be the case – a change in diet may help reduce bloating.
Do symptoms of ovarian cancer come and go? ›Most women with ovarian cancer have only some of the symptoms, or may not notice any for some time. A lot of women we interviewed stressed that they did not think anything was seriously wrong because the symptoms are vague and tended to come and go or ease off after a while.
Can ovarian cancer cause bloating and weight gain? ›Ovarian cancer and weight gain: What's the link? Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal swelling and bloating, both of which people may link to weight gain. Also, some people with ovarian cancer may experience weight gain due to treatment or just living with the disease.
Does stomach cancer cause constant bloating? ›
Stomach cancer can present itself in several different ways, such as difficulty swallowing, feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after only eating a small amount of food, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, unintentional weight loss, and vomiting.
Does ovarian cancer feel like gas? ›Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include: general abdominal discomfort and/or pain (gas, indigestion, pressure, bloating, cramps)