We may experience a wide variety of health issues but one we all hope to avoid in our lifetime is cancer. The disease itself is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and in some countries, it is even responsible for 30% of all deaths! Ovarian cancer is one of those types that seems to be a growing problem, with over 22,000 new cases being reported in the United States alone in 2016.
Ovarian cancer takes place when the cells of the ovaries develop tumours and they become malignant. It is a type of cancer that is often referred to as the silent killer, because it seems as if there are no symptoms that could lead to early detection. It is common in postmenopausal women, but more cases are now being seen in women in their 30s and 40s and sometimes, even younger. According to research out of the UK, early detection of cancer can drastically increase your opportunity for survival. Paying attention to your body and getting regular checkups are the key.
The fact of the matter is, ovarian cancer is not silent but it is quiet. No single test is 100% reliable and Pap smears will often miss malignant cysts. Even a CA125 blood test will often result in false negatives. Another problem is that the symptoms may be mistaken for another disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome. This leaves the early-stage tumours to develop until they reach stage 3 and may be felt as lumps in the abdomen and pelvic area.
According to new research, there are signs and symptoms of early-stage ovarian cancer. When you are familiar with those potential signs and symptoms, you can be alerted to the problem.
4 symptoms that may be signs of ovarian cancer
1. Persistent bloating
If you are constantly bloated and it is happening on a frequent basis, it may be a sign of a cancerous tumour growing.
2. Pelvic and lower abdominal pain
Think about the areas that you might experience mental cramps, including your lower stomach, lower back and pelvic region. Pain during menstruation is normal but if you have persistent pain after your period is completed, it may be a sign of ovarian cancer. This is important for premenopausal women because it is often passed off as period pain.
3. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
If your appetite has decreased significantly for more than three weeks, talk to a doctor. There may be many different issues that could lead to this problem, but it could be a problem with cancer.
4. Increased urination
If you feel as if you have to urinate on a frequent basis although you did not change your liquid intake, it may be a sign of ovarian cancer.
The problem with many of the symptoms is that they are often mistaken for other issues associated with the gastrointestinal tract. If you have the symptoms and did not experience them before, monitor their persistence and frequency. If they continue to be a problem for more than three weeks, make an appointment with your doctor and discuss the possibility of getting checked for ovarian cancer.
Many women need to monitor their own health and be informed on how to determine if problems exist.
H/T: The Hearty Soul
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