Ovarian cancer -
the cancer of ovaries has been known as a ‘silent killer' in the past
because it's hard to diagnose. Its symptoms are:
Persistent tummy
or pelvic pain
Increased tummy
size or persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes
Difficulty
eating and feeling full quickly
Some women may also experience other symptoms like:
The need to wee
more frequently
Changes in bowel
habit
Extreme fatigue
or pain
If you have
these symptoms more than 12 times in a month, you should seriously consider
going to see your doctor.
According to the
American Cancer Society about 1 in 75 women will get ovarian cancer in her
lifetime, but young women are rarely affected. The risk escalates starting at
age 63
Diagnosis of
Ovarian cancer: It is often diagnosed at a late stage. Ovarian cancer is
frequently diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage and women
often delay seeking help. This may be because the woman thinks her symptoms are
due to menopause or confused with other common stomach and digestive
complaints. Doctors also often initially suspect less serious causes for the
symptoms, but the frequency of symptoms should help them know when to consider
ovarian cancer, that is why using a symptom diary might be helpful.
Who are most
at the risk?
Most women who
develop ovarian cancer are over the age of 50 but it can affect women of all
ages. There are certain factors that can increase your risk including smoking,
being overweight, starting your periods early and having the menopause late.
What to do: Be healthy Overweight women
(with a BMI of 30 or higher) are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than
their thinner peers are. Consider it just another reason to watch what you eat
and stick with an exercise plan. Also, ovarian cancer seems to be less common
in women who have had children and breastfed their babies.
