Early Warning Signs and Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer!

Ovarian cancer is the cancer of an ovary. The ovaries are the two glands which are responsible for female reproduction. They produce ova or eggs and also produce the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells in the ovary start to multiply rapidly and grow out of control to form a tumour. It is the 5th most common cancer among women.

The exact cause of the cancer is unknown but the following factors increase the risk:

1. Age: chances rise with increasing age.
2. Infertility: Infertile women who cannot conceive are at a higher risk.
3. Family history: I in 10 cancers are due to inherited genes like BRCA1/2. You are also at a higher risk if you have a family history of other gynaecological cancers like breast /cervical or ovarian.
4. Hormone replacement therapy: Studies have shown a link of HRT WITH ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are generally difficult to detect, but cancer may bring about early indications. The most widely recognized symptoms of ovarian cancer are as follows:

1. Irregular menstruation or bleeding post menopause

2. Constant bloating or abdominal swelling

3. Ache in your lower abdomen or pelvis

4. Inconvenience eating/ loss of appetite

5. Feeling full instantly/ constipation

6. Urinary issues, for example, an urgent need to urinate or urinating more frequently than expected

7. Generalized weakness /tiredness.

In case that you have at least one of these side effects and it happens every day for more than two or three weeks, try to see a doctor or a specialist.

These symptoms are basic for a few women. They may not imply that you have ovarian cancer. It is very important for women to understand that these symptoms do not necessarily imply that they have ovarian cancer. The same number of other common and harmless conditions can bring about the same indications. Additionally, different reasons for these symptoms are significantly more common than ovarian cancer. These may include irritable bowel syndrome and urinary tract infections (UTIs). In any case, the early indications of ovarian cancer tend to follow a pattern, which is as follows:

1. They begin abruptly.

2. They do not feel the same as your typical stomach-related or menstrual issues.

3. They happen almost consistently and do not leave.

However, these side effects are also common in a few women who do not have ovarian cancer. Most of the ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at a later stage after the tumours have spread. Fortunately, around 20% of women are diagnosed early, where excellent prognosis can be achieved. Regular screening test for early ovarian cancer like General pelvic examinations now and then, followed by ultrasound examinations or blood tests for cancer-related markers, can help. If required Ct scan, MRI, PET, colonoscopy/laproscopy can be done to find the extent of the disease.

In case some of these symptoms start to manifest in your body, one should go for a general check-up. Cancers detected at a later stage become difficult to treat. Hence, the sooner one knows, the better it is. So Stay healthy and informed. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!