What are the early signs of ovarian cancer?
The ovaries are the two reproductive glands of females that produce eggs or OVA. Ovaries also produce female hormones like progesterone and estrogen necessary for the female body’s development.
Like any other type of cancer, ovarian cancer is also an abnormal cell multiplication in the ovary to form a tumour. If it is not treated, this tumour has the capability to reach other organs of the body and wreak havoc on healthy cells and body functions. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer.
Only 20% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed early because the earliest symptoms are easy to ignore since they are so common with other conditions.
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It is very easy to treat ovarian cancer. Like every health condition, if diagnosed early in its progression then it can be treated. The bad news is that it’s not easy to detect. The ovaries are hidden deep within the abdominal cavity, so it is unlikely that you will feel a tumour. It is of utmost importance that you note and reports persistent or unusual symptoms to your doctor.
If your doctor is suspicious that it is, in fact, ovarian cancer then they will likely perform a pelvic exam so that any irregularities are discovered. However, Small ovarian tumours are extremely hard to feel or detect.
Ovarian cancer is known to cause many symptoms. The most common signs or symptoms are
1. urinary symptoms which are the need to urinate urgently.
2. Frequent abdominal or pelvic pain
3. Bloating; feeling full quickly or having trouble eating or not.
There are other non-cancerous diseases known to cause these symptoms.
Symptoms that are associated with ovarian cancer.
1. The symptoms of ovarian cancer tend to be persistent If a person truly suffers from ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer are back pain, Constipation, abdominal swelling, weight loss, fatigue, and pain during sex. Changes in a woman’s period such as irregular or heavier-than-usual bleeding and upset stomach could also indicate Ovarian cancer.
2. Constipation and gastrointestinal or GI issues can be linked to irritable bowel syndrome anxiety or stress. In the case of ovarian cancer, constipation is a common GI symptom for many. You should pay attention to any changes in your bowel habits to be specifically, constipation that you find to be persistent even after trying to treat it with different medications Not treated by any medicine.
3. Loss of appetite: Another common ovarian cancer symptom is the loss of appetite. which includes feeling full very quickly accompanied by difficulty in finishing a meal no matter how small it is. Other early symptoms include the feeling to throw up after taking in that small amount of food.
4. Bloating: Every woman has experienced bloating, at least once in her life. This is an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the stomach. Persistent bloating that lasts up to three weeks is not normal bloating especially when it’s accompanied by visible swelling in the stomach can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer and begin to experience any of these symptoms persistently then we strongly advise a trip to the hospital.
Do well to share with family and friends as you could save a life.