Ovarian cancer affects 1 in 57 women in the US and is the fourth most common cancer-related cause of death for females. If caught early, this may be effectively treated. Lower survival rates are the consequence of the fact that only around 24% of ovarian cancer cases are discovered at an early stage. Therefore, it is crucial for women to keep an eye out for any early indications of ovarian cancer.
The American Cancer Society and other similar organisations released research findings in the summer of 2007 that suggested early signs of ovarian cancer could include symptoms like sudden bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness; fatigue; menstrual abnormalities; abdominal or pelvic pain; sudden urge and/or frequent urination; and sudden changes in eating habits like difficulty intaking food or feeling full too quickly.
Since there is presently no accurate medical screening for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer symptoms, ovarian cancer cannot be readily recognised. Women who are at risk for developing ovarian cancer should keep an eye out for the disease’s early signs so that it may be detected quickly. Menstrual abnormalities and pelvic discomfort are examples of early ovarian cancer symptoms. Although these symptoms may not always indicate cancer, women should learn to detect them.
Visit your doctor right away if you encounter any sudden or unexpected symptoms. To rule out early signs of ovarian cancer, more testing may be necessary, including a Ca125 blood test, bimanual pelvic exam, and vaginal ultrasound. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, who did not use birth control pills, who have never been pregnant, and who were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is more likely to affect certain women than others. Ashkenazi Jewish women who are over 50, have two or more relatives with ovarian cancer, and have used several reproductive medicines are at a greater risk. For these women, regular surveillance for early ovarian cancer signs is doubly crucial.
Gynecological examinations should be scheduled on a regular basis for the health of all women. If you have symptoms that have been going on for more than a few weeks, you should get medical help right once. It’s also crucial to understand that what can seem to be early ovarian cancer symptoms might really be something completely different. These signs may also point to ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, or another illness that a doctor may identify during a physical exam.
In order to halt the spread of this dangerous illness, it is crucial for women to be aware of the early signs of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer accounts for more than 6% of all female cancer fatalities, thus both patients and their physicians must exercise constant vigilance.
The majority of the time, ovarian cancer symptoms only become apparent after the disease has grown for a while and reached a sufficiently significant mass. However, some women may have certain symptoms, like as pelvic discomfort, even in the preliminary stages. The sufferers sometimes have a tendency to overlook the symptoms since they are ambiguous and frequently resemble those of common benign diseases.
The two tiny, almond-shaped organs, one on each side of the uterus, are located deep inside the abdominal cavity, making early detection of ovarian cancer challenging.
Bloating, pressure, pain, or discomfort brought on by an accumulation of fluid or masses inside the abdominal cavity are some of the typical early symptoms. If the disease spreads to the diaphragm, fluid may also build up around the lungs, limiting breathing.