Ovarian cancer is mostly diagnosed in women 63 years or older, and it is difficult to treat successfully in the later stages. Knowing about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer can help diagnose and treat the disease in the initial stages, lowering the mortality rate. Listed here are a few signs of ovarian cancer that women should not ignore:
- The need to urinate more frequently or more urgently: This is one of the early warning signs of ovarian cancer that is most often overlooked. It mostly occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal region, which presses down on the bladder. It is often ignored because it could also be an indicator of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
- Digestive issues: Digestive problems like gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, or any other changes in bowel habits could be early warning signs of ovarian cancer. If these digestive issues do not resolve with the use of laxatives, over-the-counter medication, or dietary changes, women should consult a doctor to determine the cause.
- Loss of appetite: The fluid that collects in the abdominal cavity could press down on the stomach and make one feel full after eating only a small amount. Alternatively, one may lose their appetite, which could, in turn, lead to weight loss. If women lose more than 10 pounds without changing their diet or exercise routine, it might be an early sign of ovarian cancer. That said, loss of appetite and weight also occurs in other forms of cancer.
- Changes in menstruation: Any changes in periods like heavier bleeding, bleeding in between periods, or bleeding after sexual intercourse are all early warning signs of ovarian cancer and other types of gynecological cancers. Spotting after menopause or any other dark-colored or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul smell should also not be taken lightly. Women should consult a doctor at the earliest if they notice this symptom.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or fatigue that does not get better after resting or sleeping is an early sign of not just ovarian cancer but all other forms of cancer too.
- Pelvic pressure or pain and lower back pain: Pain or pressure in the pelvic region or lower back is caused by the accumulated fluid pressing down on or irritating the tissues in these regions. These pains are the most common indicators of ovarian cancer, so any persistent pelvic or lower back pain should not be ignored.
If a woman or anyone in her family has a history of ovarian or breast cancer, they should not ignore these early warning signs of ovarian cancer. It’s advisable to visit a doctor and get screened for ovarian cancer at the earliest if any of the above-mentioned signs are noticed.
