Early stages of ovarian cancer are difficult to diagnose. There is no definitive diagnostic test for early diagnosis, and symptoms are vague and easily confused with gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and bloating.
However, this does not mean that women are powerless. Knowing the symptoms and risks of ovarian cancer is your best defense against the disease.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
A pelvic examination is important for a woman’s health, but unfortunately, most ovarian tumors are difficult to diagnose. Health care providers test for cervical cancer, such as Papillomavirus and HPV (human papillomavirus), but do not diagnose cervical cancer. In most cases, an ultrasound or CT scan of a woman reveals ovarian cancer. All this means that the disease often shows up late, when the cancer is already advanced and can spread to other parts of the body.
If you notice symptoms of ovarian cancer more often than usual, contact your doctor or gynecologist.
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
-Inflammatory bowel disease
-Malnutrition/Malnutrition
Feeling full after a small meal (premature satiety).
- Excessive or frequent drinking of alcohol.
You may also encounter the following:
-Fatigue
-Contractions of the abdomen
-Backache
cork
-Period changes such as: B. heavy or irregular bleeding
- When you lose weight, you experience bloating.
Causes of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, but the American Cancer Society reports that women’s risk of developing cancer is still very low. In the United States, less than 1% of women who have no family history or other risk factors develop ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is more common in postmenopausal women and increases with age. Half of all ovarian cancer cases occur in women aged 63 or older, and white women are affected more often than black women.
Other factors that may increase your risk include:
Overweight or obesity
Birth of the first child in 35 years or no pregnancy
Taking hormonal medications after menopause
Family history of ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer
BRCA1 and BRCA2, gene mutations associated with Lynch syndrome and other cancers
personal history of breast cancer
Smoking increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer. It may also be associated with a higher likelihood of:
Treatment with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Hormone replacement therapy
Factors that reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
For women at risk of ovarian cancer:
Having a child before age 26 (the risk decreases with each subsequent pregnancy).
Breast-feeding
Take birth control pills.
Temporary use of an IUD (intrauterine device).
Pelvic surgery includes a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, tubal ligation, which ties the fallopian tubes, and removal of the ovaries.
Genetic testing
As mentioned above, ovarian cancer can be inherited. Women with a family history of cancer or sexually transmitted diseases should seek genetic counseling and testing.
Genetic testing is important even after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Your treatment will include removal of the tumor and possibly chemotherapy, depending on the size and location of the cancer in your body. You can help by asking yourself and others to get tested for familial mutations such as BRCA1 (type 1 cancer) or BRCA2.
Be proactive
Trust your gut, get an annual pelvic exam, and learn about the signs and risk factors for ovarian cancer. You know your body. If there is an error.
Leave a Comment