Ovarian cancer - the cancer of ovaries has been known as
a ‘silent killer' in the past because it's hard to diagnose. Its symptoms are:
- Persistent tummy or pelvic pain
- Increased tummy size or persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes
- Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
- The need to wee more frequently
- Changes in bowel habit
- Extreme fatigue or pain
If you have these symptoms more than 12 times in a month, you should seriously consider going to see your doctor.
According to the American Cancer Society about 1 in 75
women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime, but young women are rarely
affected. The risk escalates starting at age 63
Diagnosis of Ovarian cancer: It is often diagnosed at a late stage. Ovarian cancer is
frequently diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage and women
often delay seeking help. This may be because the woman thinks her symptoms are
due to menopause or confused with other common stomach and digestive
complaints. Doctors also often initially suspect less serious causes for the
symptoms, but the frequency of symptoms should help them know when to consider
ovarian cancer, that is why using a symptom diary might be helpful.
Who are most at the risk?
Most women who develop ovarian cancer are over the age of
50 but it can affect women of all ages. There are certain factors that can
increase your risk including smoking, being overweight, starting your periods
early and having the menopause late.
What to do: Be healthy Overweight women (with a BMI of 30
or higher) are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than their thinner peers
are. Consider it just another reason to watch what you eat and stick with an
exercise plan. Also, ovarian cancer seems to be less common in women who have
had children and breastfed their babies.
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