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10 early signs of ovarian cancer

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur

3 Min Read

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World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on 8th May to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. It is called the silent killer as the signs often go unnoticed and there is a lack of early detection methods.

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, the reproductive organs in women responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It is the seventh most common cancer among women worldwide and is the cause of around 5% of cancer deaths in women. In India, ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer among women, and it is responsible for 6% of all cancer deaths in women. Source.

Currently, there is no approved vaccine for ovarian cancer. Hence, early detection of ovarian cancer is all the more crucial for successful treatment and recovery. However, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and can easily be mistaken for other conditions. Here are –

10 early signs of ovarian cancer that women should be aware of:

Abdominal bloating or swelling: Ovarian cancer can cause the abdomen to become swollen or bloated, even if the woman has not gained weight. This is often one of the earliest signs of ovarian cancer, and women should pay attention to any changes in their abdominal size or shape.

Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly: Women with ovarian cancer may have difficulty eating, or they may feel full quickly even after eating a small amount. This can be a sign that a tumor is pressing on the stomach or intestines.

Pelvic or abdominal pain: Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area is another early sign of ovarian cancer. The pain may be persistent or intermittent and may feel like a dull ache or sharp pain.

Changes in bowel habits: Women with ovarian cancer may experience changes in their bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. These changes may be accompanied by abdominal pain or bloating.

Frequent urination: Ovarian cancer can also cause urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or urgency to urinate. These symptoms may be mistaken for a urinary tract infection, but they can also be a sign of ovarian cancer.

b>Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of many conditions, including ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer may feel tired all the time, even after getting enough rest.

Back pain: Back pain is a common symptom of ovarian cancer, particularly in the lower back. Women with ovarian cancer may also experience pain in the hips or thighs.

Pain during sex: Pain during sexual intercourse can be a sign of ovarian cancer, particularly if it is a new symptom. Women who experience pain during sex should talk to their doctor.

Irregular periods: Women with ovarian cancer may experience irregular periods or bleeding between periods. This can be a sign that the cancer is affecting hormone levels in the body.

Unexplained weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Women who experience sudden weight loss without trying should talk to their doctor.

In India, early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer can be challenging due to a lack of awareness and limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Many women may not recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer or may delay seeking medical help due to cultural and social barriers. Read how to detect cancer early.

To address this issue, there is a need for increased awareness and education about ovarian cancer in India. Women should be encouraged to seek medical help if they experience any of the early signs of ovarian cancer, and healthcare professionals should be trained to recognize and diagnose the condition early.

In addition, there is a need to improve access to healthcare services and diagnostic tools, particularly in rural areas. Many women in India may not have access to affordable healthcare or may not be able to travel long distances to seek medical help. Telemedicine and mobile health services can help to bridge this gap and provide women with access to healthcare services and information. MFine is trying every bit to bridge this gap by providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all.

If one is at a higher risk of ovarian cancer due to family history or genetic mutations, doctors might recommend the CA 125 test for screening.

Ovarian cancer is a serious condition that requires early detection and treatment for successful recovery. Women should be aware of the early signs of ovarian cancer and should seek medical advice on time.

Still have doubts? Consult an expert now!

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Written by

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur is a General physician at MFine who holds a degree of MBBS, Certified in General practice, COVID-19 telemedicine practice, and in Diabetes management. She has over 4 years of experience in managing day-to-day illnesses, assessment of health check reports, and managing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc. She has worked previously at MDH Hospital, New Delhi. Currently, she is working as a consultant physician at MFine.

10 early signs of ovarian cancer

10 early signs of ovarian cancer that women should be aware of:

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