Ovarian cancer is a serious and often silent disease that affects women’s ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormones. Early detection of ovarian cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases survival. Recognizing the warning signs is critical to every woman’s health. Here are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer that every woman should know.
Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain: Persistent discomfort or pain in the abdominal or pelvic region that does not go away and is not related to other digestive problems should be evaluated.
Bloating: If you experience persistent bloating accompanied by abdominal discomfort that doesn’t improve with conventional treatment such as dietary changes, it’s worth investigating.
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly: Sudden changes in appetite, difficulty eating, or feeling full quickly even when you haven’t eaten can be signs of a potential problem.
Urinary Tract Changes: Frequent urination, urgency, or changes in bladder habits that are not related to a urinary tract infection should be taken seriously.
Menstrual cycle changes: Unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle, such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods, or postmenopausal bleeding, should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Unexplained weight loss: If you’re losing weight without making intentional changes to your diet or exercise, it’s important to determine the underlying cause, including ovarian cancer.
Fatigue: Persistent, unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a sign that something is wrong.
Pain during intercourse: Pain and discomfort during intercourse (dyspareunia) can be a symptom of various gynecological conditions, including ovarian cancer.
Back pain: Unexplained back pain, especially lower back pain, can sometimes be associated with ovarian cancer.
Changes in bowel habits: Changes in bowel movements that do not respond to conventional treatment, such as constipation or diarrhea, may require further investigation.
Family history: A family history of ovarian or breast cancer increases your risk. Women with a family history of these cancers should be especially careful and talk to their health care provider about the risks.
Imaging abnormalities: Certain imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, may reveal ovarian abnormalities that require further evaluation.
It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions that are not related to cancer. However, if you experience these symptoms regularly and do not go away over time, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms are often associated with other causes. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of these early warning signs and seek medical attention if you experience them for early detection and effective treatment.
Getting regular gynecological exams and talking to your health care provider about your concerns can lead to early detection of ovarian cancer and other health problems and better outcomes.