Important facts every woman needs to know about ovarian cancer
Ovarian Cancer
When any of these three types of ovarian cancer spread to other areas of the body, which is a possibility, it’s referred to as metastatic ovarian cancer.
2. The symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose because of the lack of symptoms in the initial phases of development. Nevertheless, while it’s developing, there are some signs that you should pay attention to. Some of the most significant ones are:
- Abdominal inflammation
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Abnormal bleeding
- Fatique
- Continual weight loss
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3. Symptoms are often ignored or relatively mild
Because symptoms aren’t as out-of-the-blue or unusual as those of other illnesses, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Differentiating between signs of ovarian cancer and symptoms of PMS or menopause, for example, isn’t as obvious as you’d hope. According to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund,common signs of ovarian cancer include a swollen or bloated abdomen, persistent pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis, urinary concerns, and unexplained vaginal bleeding.
4. The risk factors of ovarian cancer
The major risk factor for ovarian cancer is heredity. All indications point to the specific mutation of some genes that, with time, cause the development of the abnormal growth of cells. However, not all cases are caused by genetics.Some can be associated with certain habits and external agents. The risk of this disease increase in the following cases:
- Women over 50
- Treatments with fertilization drugs
- Hormonal therapy
- Excessive use of alcohol and tobacco
- Obesity
5. Never having given birth could put you at a greater risk
As if women who’ve chosen to live child-free don’t face enough challenges already, they can also add upping their chances of getting ovarian cancer to the list of obstacles. Although all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists certain factors that may increase the risk, and having never given birth is one of them. While older women are more likely to get ovarian cancer than younger women, additional risk factors include family history, having endometriosis, and having had breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer.
Preventive measures
6. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.
Timely detection is key to an effective treatment that is less aggressive. When successful in diagnosing in the early phase, patients have a 90% chance of overcoming the disease.Because of this, it’s fundamental to take into account the possible symptoms and, before suspecting anything, see a doctor or gynecologist.
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7. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage
Unlike other cancers that lend themselves to early detection, ovarian cancer does not. The signs and symptoms may remain dormant long before the cancer is detected, and even longer before a diagnosis is reached. According toBright Pink, one in 75 women will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime, and two-thirds of those diagnosed will die from their disease.
8.Having regular gynecologic exams is key.
There are mammograms to catch breast cancer and colonoscopies to detect colon cancer, but there isn’t any comparable screening test for ovarian cancer. You might have heard that a blood test can check for the CA-125 tumor marker, but there are many problems with this test, so it’s not recommended for women at average risk of ovarian cancer. (Your doctor might order it if your risk is higher than average or if she suspects you have the disease.) Other tests used to make a diagnosis include a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, pelvic and transvaginal sonography, and pelvic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), says Diaz-Montes.
9. Birth control pills could help lower your risk.
