Ovarian Cancer and Weight Gain (2024)

FAQs

Can you have ovarian cancer and gain weight? ›

It is important to note that weight gain is not unique to ovarian cancer patients; it can occur for similar reasons in patients with any type of cancer.

Certain types of cancer can cause weight gain. Ovarian and colorectal cancer, for example, may cause fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen. This type of edema is called ascites.

In ovarian cancer, you might also have overall weight loss but still experience a swollen or bloated abdomen. Cachexia often occurs in advanced cancer. Cachexia is weight loss along with a significant loss of muscle mass. The body starts breaking down skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, which stores fat.

Appetite changes

For some people, ovarian cancer causes a loss of appetite. Others may feel full even after eating just a small amount. Some have indigestion, nausea, or vomiting after they eat. These appetite changes can lead to unintended weight loss.

“Bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain are three of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms,” Taylor explains. “Feeling full quickly and exhaustion are the other two.

Bloating is one of the most common and noticeable signs of advanced ovarian cancer. Due to a buildup of fluid (ascites), a woman's belly can become swollen and distended.

Possible causes include anxiety and depression, hormonal disorders, insomnia, and certain medications. Carrying extra pounds isn't necessarily a problem, but it could signal an underlying health concern you'll want to address. The only way to be entirely sure of what it means is to consult a healthcare provider.

Some causes may be related to stress, alcohol consumption, or medications. Other causes can be a result of health conditions like hypothyroidism or PCOS. Many causes of stomach swelling and weight gain can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. However, others, such as ascites, can be serious.

Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting development and growth. A child with Prader-Willi syndrome has an excessive appetite, which can lead to obesity if not properly managed. Other characteristics include short stature and intellectual disability.

Ovarian cancer grows quickly and can progress from early stages to advanced within a year. With the most common form, malignant epithelial carcinoma, the cancer cells can grow out of control quickly and spread in weeks or months.

Do you feel ill with ovarian cancer? ›

You may experience bloating, pain in your lower abdomen, and frequently feel full. You might also have trouble eating due to feeling full quickly and you may have urinary problems. Urinary problems associated with the early stages of ovarian cancer include an urgent or frequent need to urinate.

You can have ovarian cancer but have few or no symptoms in the early stages. One of the warning signs that you may overlook is weight gain. The extra pounds are both a risk factor for getting ovarian cancer as well as a side effect from the disease or its treatments.

Weight gain is more common with some cancers and some treatments than others. For instance, more than half of people with breast cancer gain weight during their treatment. Research shows that too much weight gain during treatment is linked to a poorer chance of recovery.

Severe lower back pain is also associated with ovarian cancer. Just before diagnosis, many women have complained of having back pain that persists throughout the day and interferes with their sleep. This is usually caused by the fluid that collects in the pelvis and causes irritation in the tissues of the lower back.

The hormonal disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 out of every 10 women during their reproductive years. Women with PCOS often experience issues with hormonal imbalances, metabolism and, as a result, weight gain. Fortunately, several simple dietary changes can help control this weight.

“Other possible symptoms of large cysts include feeling bloating, unanticipated weight gain, pain on one side of your lower abdomen, and painful periods. These symptoms can be easy to ignore, but if you're noticing many of these together, that's a good reason to see your doctor for an evaluation.”

During the early stages of ovarian cancer, symptoms may be present but are often vague and ill-defined. Symptoms may include pelvic or abdominal discomfort, increased abdominal size or bloating, decreased appetite, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, or urinary symptoms (urgency and frequency).

Hormone changes can cause some women to retain water or produce more gas than before the menopause. Becoming less active can also make bloating worse. Women often blame the menopause for weight gain, but most cases of weight gain are actually due to decreasing activity levels and changes in diet.