The doctor said that ovarian cancer is “often picked up late” because the symptoms are “not obvious”
A doctor is urging anyone who experiences five ‘red flag’ symptoms to book an appointment with a doctor, as it could signal a health problem. Dr Frankie Jackson-Spence issued the message on her TikTok page, which boasts 11k followers.
Dr Frankie Jackson-Spence is a medical doctor with a focus on cancer research, and often shares advice on Instagram and TikTok (@drfrankiejs). This ranges from gut health and strength training to high-functioning depression and symptoms everyone should watch for.
In a recent clip, Dr Jackson-Spence shared a number of different symptoms that could actually be something more serious – ovarian cancer. The doctor said that ovarian cancer is “often picked up late” because the symptoms are “not obvious” and are “often misdiagnosed as more common issues like IBS.”
The doctor urged anyone experiencing any of the five signs she discusses for longer than two weeks to “get checked by your doctor.” She told viewers “don’t ignore” the symptoms.
In the clip, Dr Jackson-Spence said: “If you have any of these symptoms without reasonable explanation, it could be ovarian cancer. Here’s what you need to know. Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries or fallopian tubes and it gets a lot less airtime than the other female cancers like breast or cervical cancer.
“It’s often missed or picked up late because the symptoms are vague and can often be mistaken for other less serious and more common conditions. Here are the red flags to look out for and never ignore.”
The first thing the doctor says to watch for is persistent abdominal and pelvic pain. She said: “The pain can easily be confused for period pains or IBS, but if you don’t usually suffer with these, it’s severe and it’s not going away after a few weeks. Don’t ignore it.”
Next up, Dr Jackson-Spence said to keep an eye on persistent bloating, adding: “Bloating after a meal is completely normal, but if you don’t really suffer with bloating then it should be something you have in the back of your mind.”
The doctor also said passing urine more often, without a burning sensation, is something to watch out for. She said: “A growing tumour can press on the urinary tract and cause increased frequency of urination.
“This can be mistaken for infection, so it’s worth thinking about if you have a UTI that just won’t budge.”
Feeling more full after eating and not being able to finish meals is also something to keep an eye on. The doctor said: “If you notice feeling full more quickly or your clothes feel tighter, then it’s something to think about.”
If you notice you’re experiencing weight loss without trying, the doctor said it could be a sign of something more serious. She added: “Unintentional weight loss is a red flag for any cancer.”
What does the NHS say?
According to the NHS, symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:
- 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
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause