What should you know about PCOS and ovarian cancer?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, skin, and hair growth. Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells in an ovary grow in an uncontrolled way. The two conditions are not interchangeable, and having PCOS does not provide a cancer diagnosis.

PCOS can make cycle changes familiar, which may make a new pattern harder to notice. Ovarian cancer may cause persistent or progressive bloating, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly, or changes in bladder or bowel habits. These symptoms can also arise from many non-cancer causes, so their presence calls for assessment rather than a conclusion.

Record changes in bleeding, abdominal size, pelvic symptoms, appetite, bowel habits, and urinary frequency, including when they began. Arrange a clinical review if a symptom persists, keeps returning, or differs from your usual PCOS pattern. The clinician may examine you and decide whether pelvic imaging or other tests are appropriate.

If an ovarian abnormality is found, the next steps depend on its appearance, symptoms, and personal and family history. Testing may include pelvic ultrasound, surgery, or tumour profiling when cancer is diagnosed. Read [Ovarian Cancer](/conditions/ovarian-cancer/) and [Pelvic Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/pelvic-ultrasound/) for related information.

Book a prompt appointment for ongoing bloating, pelvic pain, unexplained weight change, early fullness, or a new bowel or bladder pattern. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, faintness, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, or a rapidly worsening illness. Urgency comes from the symptom and its severity, not from assuming it represents cancer.

Could my symptoms reflect PCOS, another common condition, or something needing further investigation? What examination or imaging is suitable? How will an ovarian cyst or mass be followed? Does my family history change the advice about genetic testing?