Early detection is one of the best ways to fight cancer, as the survival rates are high. Among the many types of cancer, detection of
ovarian cancer
is particularly challenging, due to its vague and overlapping symptoms. However, keeping a check on the potential signs, that arise particularly, during or shortly after eating, can be helpful. According to the American Cancer Society, only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found in the early stage. The statistics suggest that when ovarian cancer is found early, about 94% of patients live longer than five years after diagnosis.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary, which is a pair of female reproductive glands. Ovaries are the two small organs that store eggs. It affects about 1 in 78 women. Though ovarian cancer can develop at any age, it is common in women over the age of 50. If the cancer is diagnosed early while the tumor is limited to the ovary, the chances of cure are better than 90 percent. Though early detection increases chances of survival, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in later stages, as the symptoms such as bloating, are not always obvious. Some other symptoms include swollen, or painful tummy, loss of appetite, or urinary changes. Women, who have removed their ovaries too can get ovarian cancer, as it can affect the fallopian tubes or the lining of the tummy (peritoneum).
Symptoms
These symptoms appear frequently; if you experience them about 12 or more times a month, it could be a warning sign.
- A swollen tummy or bloating
- Pain or tenderness in the tummy or pelvis
- No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- An urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
Risk factors of ovarian cancer
- Age
- Women who have a mutation in breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) are at an increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Family history
- People with early menstruation, or late menopause are at greater risk.
How to lower the risk of ovarian cancer?
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Talk with a GP if ovarian cancer runs in your family
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Diagnosis and treatment
Usually, a blood test and a scan are done initially to diagnose ovarian cancer. The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. The treatment depends on several factors including the cancer stage and grade, general health, if it has spread, and the size. The survival too depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cancer.
(Pic courtesy: iStock)
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
