Ovarian Cancer: 8 ‘Silent’ Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore

Detecting ovarian cancer early is important, and it requires you to pay close attention to your body and recognize any lingering signs that deviate from your usual health patterns.

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor. The disease can affect women of any age, but is most often diagnosed in women over 50 years of age. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often goes unnoticed until it has spread into the pelvis and abdomen, making it more difficult to treat. Detecting ovarian cancer early is important, and it requires you to pay close attention to your body and recognize any lingering signs that deviate from your usual health patterns.

Early signs of ovarian cancer

Dr. Jyoti Mehta, MD Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon shared 8 subtle signs of ovarian cancer that women should be aware of:

1. Persistent bloating or swelling in the abdomen: Women may experience persistent bloating or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness or discomfort.
2. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly: This symptom is often associated with ovarian cancer and can manifest as loss of appetite or early satiety.
3. Pelvic or abdominal pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic or abdominal area, not related to menstrual or digestive problems, should be investigated by a healthcare professional.
4. Changes in bowel habits: Ovarian cancer can cause changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or increased urgency.
5. Frequent urination: Women may find that they need to urinate more often, especially if this persists over time and is not the result of a urinary tract infection.
6. Unexplained weight loss or gain: Sudden and unexplained weight changes, especially significant weight loss, can be a sign of underlying health problems, including ovarian cancer.
7. Fatigue: Persistent fatigue or low energy levels that interfere with daily activities may indicate a medical problem, including ovarian cancer.
8. Back pain: Ovarian cancer can cause discomfort in the lower back, often described as a dull ache or pressure.

Importance of early detection

Early detection of ovarian cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases survival rates. Unfortunately, the vague and nonspecific nature of ovarian cancer symptoms often leads to delayed diagnosis.

Prevention and risk factors

Although certain risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as age and family history, cannot be controlled, there are steps women can take to reduce their risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
• Use oral contraceptives, which have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Consider genetic counseling and testing if there is a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
• Attend regular gynecological checkups and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.

One should be aware that these symptoms can also be the result of various health problems. If you are concerned about these symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor and diagnose the underlying condition. Do not ignore the signals and opt for timely diagnosis and treatment.