There’s one common symptom of ovarian cancer that 99 per cent of women don't know about

As the fifth most common cancer in Canada, according to Ovarian Cancer Canada this disease is predicted to affect more than 2,800 women this year alone.

Persistent bloating, pain and a change to your menstrual cycle are all fairly well-known symptoms — but there’s one common symptom that only one per cent of women know about.

For some, regular bathroom breaks are just a normal part of their day, but if you notice an increase in needing to urinate, it could be a sign that there’s a bigger issue. Peeing more often could be an indicator of ovarian cancer.

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A U.K. group called Target Ovarian Cancer recently discovered in a survey of 1,000 women that just one per cent knew that urinating more frequently was a symptom of ovarian cancer. Deputy Director of Services at Target Ovarian Cancer Katherine Pinder explained why this disease affects your bladder.

“Needing to wee more often or more urgently – and indeed, all of the symptoms of ovarian cancer – can occur because a mass in the abdominal area is pushing on the surrounding organs, including the bladder. This is similar to what happens when a woman is pregnant and may need to wee more,” she told Cosmopolitan.

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There are many reasons why you may pee more often, if you’re committed to the suggested ounces of water a day or if you are diabetic, but it’s best to be aware of this symptom and its connection to ovarian cancer.

Of course there could be many less severe explanations for any of these symptoms, but if you experience any – or all – , schedule an appointment with your family doctor to give yourself some peace of mind.

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