Women reporting any of the four symptoms were fast-tracked to see a gynecologist within two weeks.

A recent study reveals that early detection of ovarian cancer is possible by focusing on four specific symptoms: bloating, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and feeling full quickly.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating and abdominal pain, are often vague and resemble other conditions, which complicates early diagnosis.

Raising public awareness about these specific symptoms is crucial for improving early diagnosis and treatment.

The study highlights the importance of empowering women to recognize these symptoms, which could help streamline testing and reduce unnecessary referrals.

The study involved 2,596 women recruited from 24 hospitals in the UK between June 2015 and July 2022.

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment challenging.

The fast-track pathway, implemented since 2011 in the UK, helps ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

12% of women on the fast-track pathway were diagnosed with some form of ovarian cancer, with 6.8% diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most aggressive form.

One in four women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer were identified in early stages, allowing for timely treatment.

95% of women with this aggressive cancer underwent surgery, and 77% received chemotherapy, with 61% achieving complete cytoreduction.

The findings suggest that focusing on specific symptoms can lead to earlier detection and potentially better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.