HPV transmission during oral sex a growing cause of mouth and throat cancer
NHS Warns Symptoms Of Cancer Women Can Experience While Eating
There is a significant overlap between some symptoms of ovarian cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose early because there are few symptoms before it spreads (Image: Getty)
The odds of surviving cancer significantly drop if it's not detected early. Thankfully, the NHS has put together a list of symptoms that could serve as early warning signs.
One such symptom might manifest during or shortly after eating, particularly in women. Cancer Research UK stresses the importance of early detection of ovarian cancer, stating a 95% survival rate for those diagnosed in the initial stages.
However, this survival rate drastically falls to around 15% when the cancer is identified at stage four, the most advanced stage. With many indulging in extra food this week, feelings of sluggishness or prolonged bloating from festive feasting may be common.
But it's crucial to recognise that these symptoms could potentially signal ovarian cancer. The NHS highlights that there's a significant overlap between some symptoms of ovarian cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Key early signs of ovarian cancer include a swollen abdomen or persistent bloating, feeling full quickly while eating, and experiencing pain or discomfort in the abdominal area or between the hips. These symptoms may also come with a noticeable decrease in appetite and an increased urgency or frequency of urination, reports Gloucestershire Live.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it's vital to promptly get in touch with a doctor. When booking your appointment, don't hesitate to ask for a female doctor or nurse if that would make you more comfortable.
Common early signs of ovarian cancer: If you experience bloating or other symptoms of ovarian cancer for more than two weeks, you should consult your GP (Image:
Getty)It's crucial to see a doctor if you notice any worrying signs, as ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early due to its vague symptoms.
When to see a doctorOvarian cancer can be challenging to identify early on due to its unclear symptoms. Nevertheless, it's important to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment if you experience any concerning signs.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women in the UK, with around 7,500 new cases diagnosed each year, equating to about 21 new cases every day. The lifetime risk of a woman developing ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 50.
The chances of developing this cancer increase with age, and it mainly affects women who have gone through menopause. If caught early, the survival rate is an impressive 95%, which is more than double the usual survival rate.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, including advancing age, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic mutations, and endometriosis. Conversely, factors that may reduce the risk include having more pregnancies, breastfeeding, and using the combined oral contraceptive pill.
Experts predict a 5% surge in incidence rates across the UK between 2023 and 2025, as well as between 2038 and 2040.
Difference between cervical and ovarian cancerCervical and ovarian cancer are both serious cancers that affect the female reproductive system, but they differ in several ways, including. Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the womb. Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, which are located in the lower abdomen, just below the belly button.
Cervical cancer symptoms include abnormal bleeding, pain during or after sex, and pain in the pelvis. Ovarian cancer symptoms include persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, unexplained stomach pain, and changes in bowel habits. Cervical cancer is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The cause of ovarian cancer is still unclear.
Cervical cancer is often detected early and treated effectively. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it has already spread, making treatment more challenging.
Woman With Stage 4 Bowel Cancer Shares Its Lesser-known Symptoms
One of the most common cancers that is affecting people worldwide due to their dietary or lifestyle habits is bowel cancer. Also known as colorectal cancer, it is the third most common cancer worldwide, as per WHO (World Health Organization). It usually starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum and its risk increases with age. It mostly affects people over 50 or 60.Many people may disregard the early symptoms of bowel cancer as they could resemble other health issues. For instance, blood in the poo is one of the common signs of bowel cancer but it is also caused by haemorrhoids (piles). Another symptom abdominal pain may be confused with indigestion.Woman shares lesser-known early signs of bowel cancer A woman fighting stage 4 bowel cancer recently shared helpful insights on deadly cancer to help it spot early on and elaborated on the early symptoms that she ignored and could have helped in early diagnosis.Ellie Wilcock shared the four warning signs she experienced before her diagnosis.
Pain Ellie revealed on TikTok how she experienced pain in the left-hand side of her tummy and her pelvis. She recounted how she initially assumed it to be a urinary infection that perhaps spread to her kidneys due to its unilateral nature and the way it wrapped from front to back.She said that after an infection was ruled out after testing, she decided to take futher steps. "But all of my infection markers were coming back clear, so I didn't have an infection in my body, which is why I went for further tests," she said.
Fatigue The woman explained how she started feeling washed out after coming from her office, while earlier she used her personal time post work for cooking, going to gym or meeting a friend. "So normally I would get up, go to work, come home, then maybe go to the gym or cook dinner or see a friend. But I was basically getting home from work and falling asleep for the rest of the evening," she said.Fatigue is a common cancer symptom but it is also common to feel exhausted in many other health conditions.
Changes in bowel habits Any changes in your poo must be observed as they can hold a key to your overall health. Ellie reveals that she ignored changes in her bowel habits and blood in the poo, which could have helped her detect the cancer early on. "Number three was one I didn't notice but one in hindsight that I probably had, [it] was a change in my bowel habits and blood in my poo. So this is one to really keep an eye on," she said.
What is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the inner lining of the bowel and is usually preceded by growths called polyps, which may become invasive cancer if undetected, as per Cancer.Org. Depending on where the cancer begins, bowel cancer may be called colon or rectal cancer.About 90 per cent of bowel cancers are adenocarcinomas, which start in the glandular tissues lining the bowel. Other less common types of cancer can also affect the bowel, including lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumours. Cancer can also start in the small bowel but this is a rare cancer.
Causes of bowel cancer A diet low in fibre, high red meat consumption, especially processed meats, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco, inherited genetic risk and family history, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, polyps, and having a previous diagnosis of bowel cancer are some of the common causes of bowel cancer.
Tests for bowel cancer Several tests are used to diagnose bowel cancer:Physical Examination: Your doctor checks for abdominal swelling and may perform a digital rectal exam to feel for lumps or swelling in the rectum or anus.Blood Tests: These check for signs of blood loss in stools and low red blood cell count, which can indicate bowel cancer.Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT): A stool sample test to detect traces of blood, which can signal polyps or cancer.Colonoscopy: The most accurate test, involving a camera inserted into the colon to check for abnormal tissue.Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Focuses on the rectum and left side of the lower colon.MRI Scan: Provides detailed images to assess the extent of any tumours.CT Scan: Offers 3D images of various organs, including the bowel.PET Scan: Uses radioactive glucose to highlight cancer cells in the body.
Stages, types and grades of bowel cancer There are different ways of staging bowel cancer. There is a number staging system and the TNM system. The Dukes' staging system is not really used anymore. The number staging system gives a number from stage 0 to stage 4 as per Cancer Research UK.Stage 0 or carcinoma in situ means that you have an early stage of bowel cancer. There are cancer cells in your bowel lining, but they're completely contained. There is little risk of any cancer cells having spread. We have more information about stage 1 to stage 4 bowel cancer below.The stage of a bowel cancer tells you how far it has grown through the bowel wall and whether it has spread to other body parts.The type refers to the type of cell the cancer started in and where it began. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.
Symptoms of bowel cancer Changes in your poo like having softer stool, diarrhoea or constipation that isn't usual should raise an alarm as it can indicate presence of a cancerous tumour. It is important to pay attention to your stool for understanding your health issues.Needing to visit toilet more or less often than usual: If you are making more trips to the toilet than usual, it's a sign that something is amiss and needs to be addressed.Blood in your poo, which may look red or black: The colour of the blood could be indicative of bowel cancer.Bleeding from your bottomOften feeling the need to pass stools, even if you've just been to the toilet: This is another sign that you must pay attention to, especially when it's happening too often.Other signs include:Abdominal painA lump in your tummyBloatingLosing weight without tryingFeeling very tired for no reason(Picture courtesy: iStock)
How to identify the signs of ovarian cancer early
Recognizing Stage 1 Uterine Cancer Symptoms
Common early uterine cancer symptoms include atypical vaginal bleeding (including after menopause), unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. The condition is most common in females above 50 years old.
The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which occurs in your uterus's lining, called your endometrium. Uterine sarcomas are a much rarer type that occurs in your uterus's muscle walls.
Keep in mind that because endometrial cancer is so much more common, people often use the terms "endometrial cancer" and "uterine cancer" interchangeably.
Experts consider uterine cancer stage 1 when it's still only present in your uterus. Without treatment, it may spread to your cervix (stage 2), your lymph nodes in your pelvis (stage 3), or beyond (stage 4).
Although uterine cancer typically occurs after menopause, it may occasionally occur earlier in life.
When you and your doctor can work together to recognize and address early uterine cancer symptoms, such as irregular bleeding, promptly, several treatments can be effective.
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