Cancer is more than a serious health problem, it is a worldwide epidemic. At this time, it is the leading cause of death in almost every country worldwide. In Canada, it is responsible for over 30% of the deaths and that is far greater than any other disease.
According to an estimate by the American and Canadian Cancer Societies, there were 2800 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2016 in Canada and 22,280 in the United States. There were also 1750 deaths in Canada and 14,240 deaths in the US. Knowing the early warning signs can make a difference in your being able to discover the disease and begin treatment in a timely manner.
A Look at Ovarian Cancer
When the stems of the ovaries form tumours and they become malignant, it is ovarian cancer. It is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because there are few symptoms associated with it. It is a common problem in postmenopausal women but younger women in their 30s or 40s have begun to have the issue as well. Early cancer detection can increase your opportunity for survival so it is important to have regular checkups.
At this time, there is not yet a viable past. CA125 blood tests may provide false negatives and smear tests cannot typically pick up malignant cells. In addition, many symptoms are often misdiagnosed for those of other diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome. It is more likely for the tumour to reach stage III before it is detected.
4 Symptoms That Could Be Ovarian Cancer:
1. Persistent bloating
Frequent and consistent bloating that lasts more than three weeks may indicate a cancerous tumour growth.
2. Pelvic and lower abdominal pain
Menstrual cramps and pain may be common during menstruation but if it lasts for more than 3 weeks, it could be ovarian cancer. If you are premenopausal, be sure that serious symptoms are not just passed off as period pain.
3. Feeling full quickly
If your appetite suddenly decreases out of the blue and lasts for more than three weeks, it may be a variety of issues. Those issues could include stomach, bowel and intestinal problems. It may also be a sign of cancer so your doctor should be consulted.
4. Increased need to urinate
If you find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently than before, and you have not increased your liquid intake, you may have the early stages of ovarian cancer. An additional sign is an urgent need to urinate and not being able to hold it.
These symptoms can be mistaken easily for other diseases or problems with the gastrointestinal tract. If you experience them and have not experienced them earlier, monitor their persistence and frequency. If a few weeks goes by without any relief, consult a doctor.
Monitoring our health and recognizing any unusual symptoms is the key to early detection and a greater likelihood of survival.
H/T: Best Healthy Guide
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