Ovarian cancer is one of the most life-threatening cancers among women, which causes deaths across the world. This cancer is often known as the silent killer among other cancers. Ovarian cancer is one of the most overlooked cancers because of its silent signs that are often mistaken or missed by many women. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits are some early signs of ovarian cancer that can be easily missed or mistaken for some normal health concern. If you are worried about your symptoms of ovarian cancer, read further!
In this article, we’ll discuss more about the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer and the risk factors associated with this disease in women, as observed by the ovarian cancer specialist from Oncare Cancer Centre.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Early stages of ovarian cancer symptoms often happen in women almost every week, or in some cases these symptoms happen every day. Some studies suggest that 70% of people with high-risk early-stage ovarian cancer patients often observed more than one symptom.
The symptoms are mostly non-specific and are caused by non-cancerous medical conditions.
Here are some signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Continuous abdominal bloating or swelling
- Feeling full while eating
- Pain in the pelvic area, cramping, or discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits
- Urinary problems
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding during sex
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
If you are observing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, consult an ovarian cancer specialist at Oncare Cancer Centre today. Visit Oncare’s website and book an appointment today!
Risk factors
A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of getting a disease like cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. There are some risk factors that can be controlled and often managed, whereas others, such as age, family history, and gene mutation, can’t be changed.
There are several factors that increase a person at a higher risk of ovarian cancer. These may include:
- A family history of cancer
- A history of breast or colon cancer in the family
- No pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Obesity or overweight
- Smoking
- Hormone therapy after menopause
- Age
- Mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
- Lynch syndrome
- Using fertility treatment (IVF)
Diagnosis
Unfortunately, there are no screening tests for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. However, there are many other tests an oncologist can perform to identify any presence of a tumor in the ovaries and to check whether they are cancerous or not.
When the oncologist suspects ovarian cancer in you, the doctor might perform some tests. These may include:
- CA 125 test
- Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET scan,
- X-rays
- Laparoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy
Conclusion
A delayed ovarian cancer diagnosis might be fatal to your life. Unfortunately, there aren’t any reliable screening tests for early indication of ovarian cancer. The symptoms of ovarian cancer often overlap with other medical conditions. It’s highly important to not overlook or go undiagnosed once you observe these symptoms. Common signs of ovarian cancer might be mostly ignored or missed by people because these signs are nonspecific and are often associated with noncancerous conditions. Ovarian cancer
If you are experiencing any symptoms for more than two weeks, consult with an ovarian cancer specialist today at Oncare Cancer Centre. At Oncare Cancer Centre, we believe in early diagnosis, personalized consultation, and premium quality cancer treatment in affordable price ranges.
Our cancer specialists are committed to treating cancer along with helping patients to deal with emotional health while providing support to understand their problems and providing guidance to take proactive steps towards better health.
Call us to get a more personalized consultation from our experienced cancer specialist and get an estimated cost of treatment options today!