Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms are very similar to many other conditions. Unfortunately, only 20% of overall ovarian cancer cases are detected in their early stages. However, there are clear early warning signs of ovarian cancer you shouldn’t ignore. It is especially important to pay attention to these warning signs! Often, when ovarian cancer is detected, it has already spread to the pelvis and abdomen, making it very difficult to treat. Ovarian cancer is rare, but it is life-threatening. Luckily, we are going to tell you what to keep your eye out for to ensure early detection.
Bloating/Constipation or Feeling Full Quickly After Starting to Eat
Frequent bloating, gas or constipation is a common early warning sign of ovarian cancer. It can occur months before an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Heartburn is also a common symptom and may come quickly after finishing a meal. On the other hand — when beginning to eat, someone with ovarian cancer may feel full quickly. This is due to Ascites, a fluid buildup that is the cause of bloating in an ovarian cancer patient and can cause a lack of appetite. Indigestion and an upset stomach are also symptoms in ovarian cancer patients. Keep an eye out for any changes in your digestion and your appetite!
Pelvic/Abdominal Pain or General Discomfort in the Abdomen
Tumours in the pelvis of an ovarian cancer patient are likely to cause pain in the lower abdomen. This is an early warning sign of ovarian cancer you shouldn’t ignore. Still, sometimes the feeling can be mistaken for period cramps and is therefore easily ignored by women who have experienced terrible cramps in the past! Patients who frequently experience discomfort in the abdomen tend to experience these symptoms more, along with general bloating and gas.
Changes in the Menstrual Cycle
Changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle, including heavier or irregular bleeding, can signify ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with more frequent periods. The risk of having more frequent periods can be due to experiencing menopause after age 50, experiencing your first menstrual cycle before 12, never having had children or been pregnant, and having your first child after age 30. Having unexplained pain during sexual intercourse can be another sign of ovarian cancer. It’s important to track all changes in your menstrual cycle and note any pain or discomfort during sex.
Frequent or Urgent Urination
Have you ever experienced a UTI as a woman? Then you know the feeling of having an urgent need to urinate and having only a few trickles emerge. An unexplained need to urgently urinate or pee more frequently can be a warning sign of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cells can outline the bladder wall or the ascites that cause fluid buildup. It can pressure the bladder, causing women to feel more urgent urination.
Pain or Pressure in the Lower Back
When ascites accumulate in the pelvis, or the cancer tumour spreads to the pelvis or abdomen, it can cause lower back pain. This lower back pain is caused by inflamed and irritated tissue. Increased pain in the lower back in conjunction with other symptoms of abdominal discomfort or pain should be taken seriously!
If you have any of the above symptoms or have a family history of ovarian cancer, please visit inforouge.com or call us to book a blood test. It is important to keep up to date on your health to ensure early detection! Better safe than sorry.