Medical professionals often call ovarian cancer a “silent killer” because many patients ignore their symptoms until the disease develops.[1]
If your symptoms are persistent, consult a doctor. Ovarian cancer patients that are diagnosed at an early stage have a better chance at a full recovery. [2] If you want to find out more about ovarian cancer, here is a list of fifteen warning signs to help you.
1. Abdominal Pain
Pain that is localized in the lower abdomen and pelvic area can be a sign of ovarian cancer. If you experience strong pain that is not linked to menstruation or flu for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get screened for ovarian cancer.
2. Indigestion
Heartburn, nausea, and indigestion are all common symptoms of ovarian cancer, especially if they are frequent.
3. Loss of Appetite
Ovarian cancer prevents your metabolism from functioning properly, that’s why many women experience a loss of appetite due to the disease.
4. Bloating
Persistent bloating that isn’t caused by changes to your diet or exercise routine can be cause for alarm. If your clothes feel too tight or you often pass gas, you could be suffering from ovarian cancer.
5. Frequent Urination
Experiencing frequent urination for longer than two weeks can be a sign of ovarian cancer. If left untreated, the symptoms can gradually worsen and cause you to lose control over your bladder.
6. Feeling Full Quickly
Late-stage ovarian cancer patients can feel full very quickly. This happens because cancer tumors are positioned on the surface of your belly or intestines.
7. Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea
During the progress of ovarian cancer, tumors increase in size and begin to pressure the surrounding organs. This can lead to several bowel issues that include diarrhea and constipation.
8. Lower Back Pain
If you experience a dull pain in your lower back that doesn’t seem to go away for months, you could have ovarian cancer. Many women say that this pain feels similar to the pain you feel during childbirth.
9. Sudden Weight Loss
Many women would be overjoyed to lose weight quickly. But, if you suddenly lose over ten pounds without exercise or dieting, you should see a doctor.
10. Vaginal Bleeding
25 percent of women who suffer from ovarian cancer reported that they experienced irregular vaginal bleeding. The bleeding is usually accompanied by changes in the vaginal tissue.
11. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is more prevalent in women who’s ovarian cancer has already metastasized. As the tumors grow, they can pressure your lungs and cause difficulty when breathing.
12. Pain During Intercourse
Painful intercourse or dyspareunia is a very common sign of ovarian cancer. According to VeryWell Health, women experience pain on one side of their body.[3] The pain often resembles menstrual cramps and can linger on even after intercourse.
13. Fatigue
Fatigue is often overlooked as a symptom of ovarian cancer. If you experience fatigue in combination with any other symptoms we mentioned, make sure to see your doctor.
14. Menstrual Irregularities
Women who have tumors on their ovaries frequently miss their periods or have very painful periods.
15. Dermatomyositis
This inflammatory disease can sometimes appear as a rash on your face or body. It can also cause muscle weakness that worsens over time.[4]
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you think it might me you have ovarian cancer, make sure you research online to learn more about the disease, and consult your doctor with your findings as soon as you can. The earlier you catch the disease, the better your chances.
[1]https://www.activebeat.com/your-health/women/7-common-risk-factors-for-ovarian-cancer/[2]https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
[3]https://www.verywellhealth.com/ovarian-cancer-symptoms-514265
[4]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatomyositis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353188
