Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, or collapse may indicate a blood clot or another emergency.
Call emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your cancer team promptly if you are receiving treatment and develop new symptoms, worsening pain, difficulty eating, increasing abdominal swelling, unusual bleeding, or treatment side effects that are difficult to manage.
Seek urgent medical care for:
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas
Fever or feeling acutely unwell during chemotherapy
New swelling, warmth, or pain in one leg
Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or coughing blood
Heavy bleeding, confusion, or collapse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, early fullness, or urinary changes are new, happen repeatedly, or continue for several weeks.
Mention any family history of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, prostate, or bowel cancer.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ovarian cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.