The growth of malignant cells within the ovaries is referred to as ovarian cancer. Early on, symptoms are frequently nonexistent, but people may feel pressure or discomfort in their lower abdomen, which is commonly accompanied by vaginal bleeding.
Ovarian cancer is currently the fifth largest cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. Over the past 20 years, ovarian cancer mortality has, nevertheless, significantly decreased.In the U.S., 19,880 people may be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022, according to projections made by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Tragically, it is anticipated that 12,810 people will pass away from this illness.
Furthermore, according to data, 1.1% of women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis at some time in their life.
This article seeks to clarify how to identify the signs of ovarian cancer.
Due to the absence of obvious signs and symptoms, ovarian cancer, also known as the "silent killer," can be challenging to identify in its early stages. Symptoms often appear after the disease has advanced, which makes therapy more difficult. The peritoneum, fallopian tubes, or ovaries are the sites of ovarian cancer's origin. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus in the pelvis, which are necessary to the release of female hormones and the generation of eggs needed for reproduction. It's crucial to regularly monitor your body and pay attention to persisting symptoms that differ from your typical experiences in order to discover the ovarian cancer.
Risk Factors that you should not Ignore.
Having a history of breast or ovarian cancer in the family is a substantial risk factor for developing ovarian cancer. A higher chance of getting ovarian cancer is also associated with a personal history of breast cancer.
Reliable sources indicate that having one or more full-term pregnancies is linked to a lower risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, it appears that the risk gets smaller with each consecutive pregnancy. Breastfeeding practices could also help to reduce the risk.
Having children later in life, notably beyond the age of 35, or choosing not to have children is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to reliable sources.
Although not all research have consistently verified this link, it is important to note that some reproductive therapies have been hypothesized to possibly enhance the risk of borderline cells forming.
Those who have a body mass index (BMI) above 30 are more likely to get ovarian cancer. Furthermore, according to credible sources, a person's risk of having ovarian cancer rises by 1.1 times for every 5-unit increase in BMI.
Signs of Ovarian Cancer that you should never ignore.
Pelvic pain
Menstrual cramps, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and other disorders that impact the reproductive organs can all cause discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis region.
Appetite Loss
Early signs of ovarian cancer commonly include rapid satiety and trouble finishing even small meals. Appetite loss is frequently present as well. These symptoms are indicative of the condition.
Frequent Urination
Women may urinate more frequently when ovarian cancer cells grow on the outside of the bladder wall or when ascites builds up in the pelvis and presses on the bladder.
Bloating
Bloating is a disorder characterized by a feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach area, which is frequently accompanied with outward signs of abdominal swelling or distention. Bloating can be caused by a variety of things, such as excessive eating, gas, constipation, and some underlying medical diseases like ovarian cancer or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Menstural changes
Periods that are irregular or aberrant might point to a number of things, including early or delayed menstruation, in the context of menstrual cycles. These disturbances in the menstrual flow can appear as severe bleeding, bleeding in between periods, or in other ways if an ovarian cancer is present.
Abnormal Bleeding
Bleeding after menopause or during sexual activity should raise red flags because it could be an ovarian cancer sign. If such bleeding happens, it is crucial to seek medical assistance in order to identify the underlying cause and obtain the proper evaluation and care.
Severe Constipation
Inconsistent, unpleasant bowel movements or trouble passing feces are symptoms of constipation. It is best to seek medical assistance and be concerned about the lingering symptoms if the initial steps performed to relieve constipation do not work.
Always Upset Stomach
Upper abdominal pain, also referred to as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, can be an early sign of ovarian cancer. It's critical to be aware of this symptom and get medical attention if it persists or is worrisome.
Frequent Back pain
Prior to receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis, the illness is also linked to severe lower back pain that interferes with sleep. The primary cause of this discomfort is believed to be the buildup of fluid in the pelvis, which causes pain in the lower back tissues. It is critical to be aware of this symptom and to seek medical advice if it worsens or persists.
Is it Preventable?
While ovarian cancer cannot currently be totally prevented, some factors have been linked to a lower risk, as confirmed by reliable sources:
- birth control pill use that lasts a long time, specifically five years or more.
- Giving Birth at least once.
- feeding your baby breast milk for at least a year.
- Undergoing particular surgical procedures such a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or oophorectomy (the removal of the ovaries). [Only if necessary]
To further lower the risk of ovarian cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS), a reliable source, also suggests adopting a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining a reasonable weight, and stop smoking.
Furthermore, ovarian cancer can be discovered early, enhancing a person's prognosis, through routine medical exams and open discussions about any symptoms with a healthcare provider.
Final Words
In conclusion, ovarian cancer must be prevented by early identification and awareness. The risk can be decreased and outcomes can be improved by being aware of the symptoms and risk factors, getting medical assistance for persistent or alarming indicators, and living a healthy lifestyle. Early ovarian cancer detection depends critically on routine medical exams and open communication with medical providers. We can advance the cause of ovarian cancer by raising awareness and adopting preventative action.
References:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/IJWH.S197604?needAccess=true&role=button
https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/bjon.2013.22.Sup17.S23
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/risk_factors.htm