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Ovarian Cancer: Nine Symptoms Of 'silent Killer' Women Shouldn't Ignore

Thousands of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK and it has been labelled a "silent" killer - but there are some early warning signs

Experiencing a swollen tummy is a common warning sign of ovarian cancer(Getty Images)

Around 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, with two-thirds being diagnosed at a later stage, meaning the disease is harder to treat.

Ovarian cancer is often labelled a "silent killer", because warning signs usually develop when the disease has reached an advanced stage, which is largely incurable. In fact, 44 percent of GPs mistakenly believe symptoms only present in the later stages of the disease, explains Target Ovarian Cancer.

Dr Frankie Jackson-Spencer added: "Ovarian cancer often goes undiagnosed until it reaches the late stage due to its symptoms being vague and often overlapping with common/less serious conditions." If diagnosed at the earliest stage, nine in 10 women will survive - making symptom awareness front and centre. According to the NHS, feeling bloated and experiencing a swollen tummy are common warning signs of ovarian cancer. But there are a number of other red flags that could signal the devastating disease too.

There are nine known symptoms of ovarian cancer that might strike, including a "loss of appetite" and/or "abdominal pain", warns Dr Jackson-Spencer. Meanwhile, other people may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained tiredness and a frequent urge to urinate.

Ovarian cancer symptoms could include:

  • Bloating

  • Feeling full quickly

  • Loss of appetite

  • Abdominal pain

  • Frequent need to urinate

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

  • Unexplained tiredness

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Change in bowel habits.

    • Show more

    Concerningly, just one in five UK women can name bloating as one of the main symptoms of the disease, highlights Target Ovarian Cancer. "Unlike cervical and breast cancer there aren't robust screening tests for ovarian cancer," Dr Jackson-Spencer continued. "So it's important to get any symptoms checked out by a doctor. Your GP might want to do a blood test, internal examination or refer you for an ultrasound scan." The women's health expert added: "If caught early, ovarian cancer can be less serious, that's why it's super important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible."

    What causes ovarian cancer?

    While there "isn't an exact cause of ovarian cancer", there are a "few factors" that can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, informed Dr Jackson-Spencer. Women over the age of 65 face a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer, with half of all cases occurring in women in this age group. The expert added that family history is another risk factor, she said: "Approximately five to 10 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are thought to be hereditary."

    Women who start their period at a younger age, or go through menopause later in life, are also thought to be at higher risk of ovarian cancer. Dr Jackson-Spencer said: "The increase in the number of times you ovulate creates more opportunities for cancerous cells to develop." Patients who have received radiotherapy treatment for cancers, such as bowel cancer, also face a greater risk. For more information or support about ovarian cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.


    Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Fatigue To Constipation, 7 Signs That Women Shouldn't Ignore

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  • Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Fatigue To Constipation, 7 Signs That Women Shouldn't Ignore
    • Ovarian cancer is regarded as the silent killer because its symptoms are hard to notice. By the time the symptoms are visible, the cancer might be serious. Here're 7 early signs that women should be aware of 7 Early Warning Signs Of Ovarian Cancer You Must Know: From Fatigue To Constipation

    Ovarian cancer begins when cells in the ovaries start to grow and multiply unusually. It is hard to detect this cancer during the early stages because it doesn't show any noticeable symptoms until it is advanced. Ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are present on each side of the uterus. They play a significant role in the production of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. Many reasons can make a person prone to this disease. This cancer can also be inherited through genetic factors. Here are a few signs of ovarian cancer that you should be aware of.

    7 Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  • Pain in the abdomen: Pain in the abdomen is one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you have frequent abdominal pain, indigestion, and bloating you need to go and get checked. These could be signs of serious health problems, particularly ovarian cancer.
  • Urge to pee frequently: The condition of the ovaries can affect the health of the bladder. The growth of the abnormal tissue can put pressure on the bladder and can cause a frequent urge to urinate and pelvic discomfort as well.
  • Irregular menstrual cycle: Irregular menstrual cycle may be related to ovarian cancer. Though there are many other factors responsible for irregular periods you should consider getting checked if you experience this along with other symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and indigestion for proper evaluation.
  • Weight loss: Ovarian cancer can lead to weight loss by reducing the appetite and calorie intake. It can also disrupt metabolism. Cancer cells need a large amount of energy which can affect weight management.
  • Constipation: The tumor can put pressure on the colon which can disturb the normal bowel movements. However, constipation can be caused by many other factors. Get yourself checked if you experience concerning symptoms.
  • Dermatomyositis: This is a skin disease that can be linked to ovarian cancer. It is important to note that if someone has dermatomyositis doesn't mean they have ovarian cancer too. This condition can be caused in response to fighting against ovarian cancer.
  • Fatigue: Cancer cells release substances that affect the metabolism of the body and disrupt energy levels. This can drain energy from the body and cause fatigue. This can also be a sign of anemia. It is important to undergo regular blood tests to ensure the safety of health.

    • Regular checkups are essential because these symptoms can be hard to detect. Ovarian cancer is a serious condition and proper attention should be given. Always consider paying attention to these signs and symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet and indulge in regular exercise. Consult with a healthcare expert if you experience any of the concerning symptoms.

    Please note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.


    Spotting Ovarian Cancer Early: Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore

    Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, the female reproductive organ that produces eggs and this cancer is challenging to detect during its early stages, as symptoms may not be noticed until the disease has progressed into the advanced stage. Ovarian cancer is a 'silent killer' as many cases go unreported due to the lack of awareness hence, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment.

    Spotting ovarian cancer early: Symptoms women should not ignore (Image by Freepik)

    In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Pune, shared, "Some common symptoms include persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and frequent urination. Other less obvious signs may include fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss."

    Highlighting that one interesting aspect of ovarian cancer symptoms is that they are often subtle and easily dismissed as other less serious conditions, Dr Swati Gaikwad said, "This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can impact outcomes. It is essential for women to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks. By being proactive about monitoring their health, women can potentially catch ovarian cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. Hence, timely diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving for women."

    Dr Swati Gaikwad listed a few reasons why annual check-ups are vital for women during every stage of life -

  • Annual checks like ultrasound, CT scans, biopsies and abdominal scans can help to detect ovarian cancer and are essential for women belonging to all age groups as it is a known fact that timely detection can drastically improve treatment outcomes.
  • While ovarian cancer is a common occurrence in older women, it is also seen even in the younger population. By incorporating regular screenings annually as recommended by the doctor, women can raise the chances of detecting any abnormalities or signs of cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable and improve their quality of life.
  • Moreover, annual checks serve as a proactive approach to women's health, empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being and monitor any changes in their bodies. The symptoms of ovarian cancer can often be subtle and easily dismissed, making routine screenings essential for catching any potential issues early on. By prioritizing annual checks, women can ensure they are staying informed about their health status and taking necessary steps towards prevention or early intervention if needed.

    • Dr Swati Gaikwad concluded, "To lower one's risk of ovarian cancer, it is imperative to eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and quit smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Be proactive when it comes to your health, try to go for screening as recommended by the doctor to identify the risk of this fatal cancer and improve the prognosis of this disease by seeking timely intervention. It is the need of the hour for women to stay vigilant and take necessary steps to improve well-being."





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