Cancer has been spreading like a wildfire in the last few years. From breast to lungs, stomach to the liver, ovaries to scrotum cancer, the variety is shockingly unbelievable. And this is the reason why you need to be cautious and on your guard at all times. Particularly if cancer already runs in your family.
Ovarian cancer is one such disease that is becoming increasingly rampant. More and more women are getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer all over the world. Known as a ‘silent killer,’ ovarian cancer is mostly detected by the time it is too late. Hence, the reason why you should be on the alert at all times.
Below are 10 signs and symptoms that something may not be well with your ovaries and you need to see a doctor ASAP:
1. Abdominal Pain
One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is a pain in the abdominal region. The pain is mostly like menstrual cramps and can last longer than 2 weeks. It has nothing to do with abdominal issues or menstrual discrepancy.
2. Difficulty Eating
Having a hard time eating like you used to before? Do you feel full all the time or way too quickly? This happens when the tumor gets so big it is sitting on the stomach, killing hunger feelings. This is why you are not hungry or feel full so soon.
3. Urinary Issues
This is another common sign of ovarian cancer. People experience urgency and frequency in their urine habits. The feelings of not having control over pee get worse as cancer progresses and becomes more life-threatening.
4. Indigestion and Heartburn
Is indigestion or heartburn becoming very frequent? Nausea, gas, and other gastric issues are pretty rampant when the patient is suffering from ovarian problems or ovarian cancer.
5. Constipation or Diarrhea
Strange bowel movements are also a symptom of ovarian cancer. You could have fluctuations between diarrhoea and constipation, with feelings of pressure on the stomach, bladder, and bowel.
6. Bloating
Bloating over the belly, pelvis or waist is frequent when a person has ovarian cancer. If the bloating gets to the point where your clothes become tight without any change in your diet or lifestyle, you need to see a doctor immediately.
7. Lower Back Pain
If you have been having persistent pain in your lower back that feels like labor pain, then it could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
8. Sudden Weight Loss
Have you lost weight suddenly without any apparent change in diet or lifestyle routine? Unexplained weight loss is a sure sign of some cancer.
9. Changes in Menstrual Cycle
Many patients experience either irregularity of periods or heavy bleeding when they develop ovarian cancer. This too is a clear sign.
10. Painful Intercourse
Even though not very common, patients with ovarian cancer complain of experiencing pain when they have intercourse. This can be because of the size of the tumor or because insertion becomes painful.
To conclude, one or two of these symptoms are not problematic. But if you encounter multiple problems simultaneously, contact a doctor immediately and get a complete checkup.
Reviewed by Dr. Nida
Doctor’s note:
Ovarian cancer is the 9th leading cause of cancer and 5th leading cause of death in women. Females who are more at risk of ovarian cancer are the ones:
- Who have a history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer in the family
- Between 50 to 60 years
- Who have never given birth to child are also more at risk
Image Source:
stephnuss.com
References:
- http://www.activebeat.com/your-health/women/10-warning-signs-of-ovarian-cancer/9/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/ovarian-cancer-early-signs#symptoms
- http://www.integrativecanceranswers.com/ten-warning-signs-of-ovarian-cancer-the-silent-killer/
- http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/09/07/13-ovarian-cancer-warning-signs-should-never-ignore.html