Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that is often hard to detect. Explore the symptoms of ovarian cancer and ways to prevent it here.
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that targets a woman's ovaries. It is one of the fatal diseases that are challenging to detect early. Many women are unaware that they have ovarian cancer until it reaches an advanced stage.
Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as the silent killer because it doesn't exhibit specific symptoms. The symptoms that do appear often resemble digestive disorders, menstruation, or menopause. However, if you experience the following symptoms persistently, it's crucial to consult a doctor promptly.
Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Some of the frequently overlooked symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Abdominal, pelvic, back, or leg pain
This pain can feel like menstrual cramps but lasts longer and is more severe. It is caused by the growth of tumors pressing on nearby organs.
- Abdominal bloating and swelling
The abdomen can feel full and firm due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity caused by tumors. This condition can also lead to loss of appetite and a quick feeling of fullness.
- Nausea, vomiting, digestive disturbances, bloating, or constipation
These symptoms can be mistaken for common digestive issues, but if they persist, they may be indicative of ovarian cancer. Tumors can disrupt the function of the intestines and stomach, leading to digestive problems.
- Excessive fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, including ovarian cancer. Excessive fatigue can be caused by anemia, infections, or inflammation due to tumors.
- Changes in bowel and bladder habits
Tumors can press on the bladder or large intestine, causing frequent urination or difficulty with bowel movements. These symptoms may also be accompanied by pain or bleeding during urination or bowel movements.
- Abnormal bleeding
Abnormal bleeding can include heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between menstrual cycles, or bleeding after menopause. This bleeding can be caused by tumors damaging ovarian or uterine tissue.
If you experience these symptoms simultaneously, do not take them lightly. Consult a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Ovarian cancer can be prevented through routine examinations such as pelvic ultrasounds or CA 125 tests.
How to Prevent Ovarian Cancer
There are several ways to prevent ovarian cancer:
- Use birth control pills. Birth control pills can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50% when used for 5 years or more. This is because birth control pills can reduce the number of ovulations that can trigger inflammation in the ovaries. However, birth control pills can also increase the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer, so it's advisable to consult a doctor before deciding to use them.
- Breastfeed. Breastfeeding can lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 24% if done for 12 months or more. This is because breastfeeding can delay ovulation and reduce estrogen levels, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
- Give birth. Giving birth can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer because it can decrease the number of ovulations and reduce estrogen exposure to the ovaries. The risk of ovarian cancer decreases even further if you have more than one child.
- Consume a healthy diet. A healthy diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help maintain overall health and prevent inflammation. Additionally, a healthy diet can help control weight and avoid obesity, which is a risk factor for ovarian cancer.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and control weight. Exercise can also help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce estrogen exposure to the ovaries.
- Undergo gynecological surgery. Gynecological surgeries like tubal ligation, hysterectomy, or oophorectomy can significantly lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, these surgeries have side effects and long-term consequences, such as infertility or early menopause. Therefore, they are recommended only for women at high risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with BRCA gene mutations or a family history of similar diseases.
These are some of the measures you can take to prevent ovarian cancer. Additionally, it's advisable to undergo regular examinations such as pelvic ultrasounds or CA 125 tests to detect ovarian tumors. If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or abnormal bleeding, contact a doctor promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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