“I’ve been having hip and leg pain for a while,” wrote one member of MyOvarianCancerTeam. “It turns out the pain wasn’t a side effect, but, rather, I need a hip replacement.”

If you experience pain in your hips while living with ovarian cancer, you may wonder whether cancer, cancer treatment, or other health issues are to blame. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include pelvic and lower back pain, but not necessarily hip pain.

Here are some possible causes of hip pain that may or may not be associated with ovarian cancer, along with tips for when to seek treatment and how to manage discomfort.

The Growth of Ovarian Cancer

If you’re living with ovarian cancer and you feel an unexpected pain sensation, it’s normal to worry that cancer may be growing or spreading. However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions about hip pain. The two most likely areas for ovarian cancer to spread are within the peritoneal cavity, a space within the abdominal area that surrounds organs, and nearby lymph nodes. Other potential areas include the liver, spleen, intestines, brain, skin, and lungs.

If ovarian cancer spreads to the bone (such as the pelvis or hip bones), pain is one of the most reported symptoms. But overall, researchers consider it extremely rare for ovarian cancer to spread to bone.

Pain May Remind You of Early Symptoms

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Increased urgency and/or frequency of urination
• Vaginal bleeding
• Eating changes, such as feeling full quickly
• Back, abdominal, and/or pelvic pain
• Bloating

Members of MyOvarianCancerTeam have described how pain and cramping were early signs of their ovarian cancer. However, pain isn’t always a clear indicator of the disease.

“I had lower back pain for two years. I tried physical therapy and a chiropractor. Then I started having menstrual cramps at 67 years old. I thought it was scar tissue from three cesarean sections. I had cancer in both ovaries, tubes, and my uterus,” shared one member. “I haven’t had a minute of back pain since my hysterectomy.”

It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20. If you remember having pain with your undiagnosed ovarian cancer, it’s understandable to worry when other sources of pain arise. Fortunately, ongoing monitoring by your healthcare team can prompt the early detection of any new problems.

If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, you should contact your medical team right away. If you experience any of the other symptoms above for two weeks or longer, you should also see your doctor. They can determine if any of these symptoms are related to your ovarian cancer.

Effects of Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Treatment for ovarian cancer may lead to side effects that increase your risk of hip pain. For example, several members of MyOvarianCancerTeam report having osteoporosis and experiencing bone fractures. “I have osteoporosis from my cancer drugs, so I’ll have to have an IV once a year for 30 minutes to help with my bones,” one member explained.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy are all potential contributors to osteoporosis later in life. Chemotherapy can also cause nerve damage, and immunotherapy can affect muscles and joints. It’s not always possible to predict or prevent these issues, but doing your best to stay active, eat well, and follow other healthy lifestyle habits before and after cancer can help. When deciding on treatments, your oncologist will weigh the benefits and risks to give you the best possible cancer care.

One MyOvarianCancerTeam member wrote, “Has anyone experienced post-chemo pain? It’s mainly in my bones and joints. I was told that arthritis can become worse with chemo. I decided to get back into tai chi, and it’s helped! I don’t have the stamina yet to do the complete hour, but I’m working on that. 😊”

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, some people also experience joint pain as an immediate or late side effect of cancer treatments. These therapies include:

• Certain chemotherapy drugs
• Aromatase inhibitors and other hormonal therapies used in breast cancer
• Targeted cancer therapies
• Immunotherapies
• White blood cell growth factors
• Long-term steroid medications

External beam radiation therapy is not commonly used to treat ovarian cancer in the U.S., so it’s less likely to be a cause of your hip pain. Ironically, bisphosphonates, which are used to treat bone loss, can also cause joint pain but usually only immediately after the injection. Ask your doctor if any side effects of your treatment may be responsible for your hip pain.

Additional Causes of Hip Pain

People with ovarian cancer can experience hip pain for lots of reasons, many unrelated to their cancer. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia, tendinitis, bursitis, and joint infections can cause hip pain. Knowing your family history can help identify risk factors for these other health conditions.

“Having rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, those symptoms seemed to take a back seat to chemo. Now that I finished, those two are back with a vengeance, along with the neuropathy,” shared a MyOvarianCancerTeam member. “As with the cancer treatment, I take it one day at a time. Some are good, and some are bad.”

When cancer enters your life, other parts of your health may end up on the back burner. However, it’s important not to neglect conditions that cause pain or damage to your body.

Some hip pain can be more serious. These more serious signs can include:

• Inability to move or bear weight through your leg
• Sudden onset of intense hip pain
• Hip pain with additional signs of infection (fever, chills, discoloration)
• Sudden swelling
• Pain that gets worse and wakes you up at night

If you experience any of the above, you should contact your doctor’s office immediately to discuss your symptoms. Your medical team will likely have you come in for an evaluation.

What To Do Next

Sudden pain or pain that’s not well managed should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Symptoms like hip pain can significantly affect your ability to stay active and enjoy a good quality of life. Don’t hesitate to ask if changing your treatment plan or adding therapies could help.

Your doctor may suggest pain management options, like over-the-counter pain relievers or heating pads. Sometimes a few sessions with a physical therapist can help you learn beneficial exercises. In addition, palliative care services like massage and acupuncture may improve your hip pain regardless of your stage of ovarian cancer.

Adjusting your lifestyle can improve some forms of hip pain. For instance, you can try wearing more supportive shoes and changing your sleep position to avoid lying on the side that hurts. If your work requires standing for long periods or you’re doing exercises that make hip pain worse, you can make adjustments to reduce your symptoms. “You might think about trying water aerobics. It’s very easy on the joints,” suggested a MyOvarianCancerTeam member.

Your oncology provider can help you decide if you should get additional cancer screenings or other tests (like bone screenings, blood tests, and CT scans) to check for underlying issues that need medical attention. Ultimately, taking a proactive approach offers the best way to get the solutions you need.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyOvarianCancerTeam, people share their experiences with ovarian cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you experienced hip pain along with ovarian cancer? Let others know in the comments below.