Important Indicators Connected With Ovarian Cancer
posted in Womens Health |
Cancer is the physical scourge of our era. Often a person who initially spots one or more early indications will scurry to a physician seeking a comforting diagnosis. If the news doesn’t come back as hoped, a discussion of treatments is initiated. Cancers that are particular to women (e.g. breast cancer, ovarian cancer) have drawn a lot of attention and research funds during the past couple of decades.
This is good because ovarian cancer can have such a high mortality rate, it’s important that women be vigilant to watch out for possible ovarian cancer warning signs.
Because so many of the symptoms and indicators of the disease are often associated with other ailments, they can go unnoticed, reducing the chances for early diagnosis until after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
To learn more about symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer that you should watch out for, read on.
Abdominal Bloating
Pronounced bloating can be an indicator of ovarian cancer, particularly if the bloating is more than average, uncomfortable or painful. If you’re experiencing abnormal bloating, consult with your doctor about the possibility of ovarian cancer.
Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvis and stomach pain along with constipation and digestion problems are more common in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Poor Appetite and Weight Loss
Another one of many ovarian cancer warning signs is when patients have trouble eating or often feel full even after consuming just a small amount of food. Because of their decreased appetite, weight loss is often common and a powerful indicator for ovarian cancer.
Urinary Problems
Many women with ovarian cancer complain of a constant need to urinate, urinary incontinence, an urgency to urinate or an increased frequency in their urination. The symptoms are comparable to a urinary tract infection but typically without the addition of painful urination.
Fatigue and Pain
Unfortunately, the fatigue and back pain experienced by many patients with ovarian cancer is similar to pre-menstrual symptoms experienced by many women without the disease. The systems are generalized and not specific enough, but they can be helpful when diagnosing the problem.
However, unlike women without ovarian cancer, patients with this disease typically experience these symptoms on most days, not just several days a month.
Family History
If you know that your family has a history of ovarian cancer, it’s important to tell your doctor and be screened or evaluated on an ongoing basis. Essentially, if one immediate family member or two members of your extended family have been diagnosed with the disease, then it could be a clear warning sign and an indicator that you need to watch out for possible symptoms.
Fortunately, most ovarian cancer warning signs will present themselves even during the initial stages of the disease. That early diagnosis could save your life, so keep an eye on your body, listen to its triggers and talk to your doctor.