One way to detect ovarian cancer early is to know the symptoms associated with the cancer. Symptoms are also known as health problems that are told to the doctor, who may consider the possibility of ovarian cancer based on certain symptoms. The most common symptoms include a feeling of swelling, pain in the pelvis or abdomen, reluctance to eat or a feeling of fullness, and often a feeling of frequent or urgent urination. These symptoms may also be caused by many other common health problems that are not due to ovarian cancer. However, if these symptoms have just started to appear within a year, or if they occur for more than 12 days a month, then they are most likely caused by ovarian cancer. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor. However, ovarian cancer does not always cause symptoms, and sometimes they may not appear until the tumor becomes large or metastasizes. Your doctor may also suspect ovarian cancer based on certain physical signs. Signs of ovarian cancer include a mass in the pelvis, fluid in the abdomen, or an enlarged abdomen. The doctor may feel a mass in the pelvis due to a tumor or enlarged ovary, which may be a sign of ovarian cancer. In addition, ovarian cancer can cause excessive fluid accumulation in the pelvis or abdomen (ascites), which can cause abdominal distention. Your doctor may suspect that you may have ovarian cancer based on the above signs and symptoms. However, the cause of these signs and symptoms may be many other health problems. Therefore, the doctor will also perform additional tests and labs to confirm or rule out ovarian cancer.