Many experts and individuals alike refer to ovarian cancer as the "silent killer". Like many other forms of cancer, this particular disease doesn't show any symptoms for a very long time. What's more, when the warning signs of ovarian cancer do begin to show, they're often regarded as highly non-specific, meaning that they may point to a wide range of possible conditions, which may be simple or serious.
The reality for most people is that because the warning signs of ovarian cancer are so difficult to spot, by the time the issue is diagnosed, it has already started to spread, making the options for treatment more limited. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can look out for, although it's important to combine various factors into your observations as you shouldn't jump to conclusions.
The Most Important Warning Signs Of Ovarian Cancer:
Following are just some of the most important warning signs to look out for if you are concerned about the possibility of having ovarian cancer. Although these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you do have cancer, they suggest that you should arrange an appointment with your doctor as early as possible.
The first sign is abdominal swelling or bloating, which causes you to feel as though you're full of gas. You may find that this symptom causing your clothes to feel tighter around your hips and waist. Similarly, another symptom is constipation, and other changes that happen within your bowel movements.
The third sign to look out for is pelvic pain, or discomfort that may spread to the abdomen, or lower back. It's important to ensure that if the pain persists, you don't simply mask it with painkillers, as it may be a sign that you need to see your doctor immediately.
Another sign to be aware of is frequent or urgent urination. You may find that you need to go to the toilet more often than usual, or you suddenly feel an urgent need to urinate that makes it difficult to reach the toilet on time. Remember, many women can experience this because of weak pelvic muscles or a urinary tract infection, but it's important to keep an eye on the problem if it persists.
Also be aware of pain during sexual activity, fatigue or symptoms of low energy, and a loss of appetite or sudden feeling of fullness when you eat. Although many women are pleased when they drop a few pounds, suddenly losing weight is not always a good sign.
Risk Factors Associated With Ovarian Cancer:
Like with many forms of cancer, the exact reason behind the development of ovarian cancer is not yet known. However, there are a number of risk factors that may increase your chances of suffering from ovarian cancer, so you should consider them carefully.
Perhaps the most crucial and common risk factor to keep in mind is age. Women who are over the age of fifty are often at a greater degree of risk when it comes to ovarian cancer. About 50% of all ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women who are over the age of 60. Of course, this doesn't mean that the disease cannot occur within younger women. However, most commonly, signs of ovarian cancer in younger women are very rare.