Welcome to Giddy's series for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Each week, we will tackle a different aspect of ovarian cancer and shed light on common misconceptions. This week, let's take a look at symptoms.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Symptoms
The warning signs of ovarian cancer are subtle, so it's important to pay attention to your body.
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries multiply rapidly and form a tumor. It ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, and the American Cancer Society estimates that this year, about 21,410 women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis and about 13,770 women will die from ovarian cancer.
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and Giddy is here to help walk you through everything you need to know about this disease. This week, we're talking about symptoms. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of ovarian cancer.
True or False: Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal and pelvic discomfort.
True. The most common symptoms are persistent abdominal bloating, feeling full quickly when eating, a loss of appetite, pelvic discomfort, constipation and urinary issues—including the need to urinate more often than usual. Symptoms such as persistent heartburn, unusual pain during intercourse, backaches, irregular cycles and bleeding between periods can also occur.
True or False: There is a solid set of symptoms to watch out for.
False. Ovarian cancer symptoms are not easily detected. As mentioned above, the symptoms may feel like normal sensations, including stomach bloating or typical period cramps. If you have any symptoms you can't explain, it is important to discuss those with your doctor, as well as any risk factors and family history of cancer.
True or False: If symptoms last longer than one month, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.
True. New symptoms that linger for more than a couple of weeks, and are not relieved by appropriate lifestyle alterations—such as exercise, rest and dietary changes—should be evaluated by a medical professional. The American Cancer Society advises women to consult with their doctor if they experience any potential symptoms of ovarian cancer more than 12 times in a single month.
While you don't want to err toward hypochondria, it's important to be in tune with your body's changes. It's a good idea to make notes of your symptoms (with dates), even mild ones, so you can pick up on any patterns. Early detection is key to treating and surviving ovarian cancer, so talk to a doctor as soon as possible about your concerns.
True or False: Ovarian tumors can typically be felt by the patient.
False. Unlike with breast and other cancers, ovarian tumors typically aren't felt by the patient, due to the location of the ovaries, which are small organs located deep inside the abdominal cavity. This is why recognizing more mild symptoms and seeking care right away can result in an earlier diagnosis and a better outcome.
True or False: Symptoms become more noticeable as the cancer progresses.
True. Women with ovarian cancer are more likely to experience notable symptoms once the disease has progressed past stage I and spread to nearby tissue and organs, such as the stomach or bladder. This is when symptoms typically become more noticeable, with pain and changes in digestive and bowel or bladder function. Because the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be unnoticeable and undetectable by patients and clinicians alike, only 20 percent of cases are diagnosed in stages I or II.
True or False: Your symptoms may be caused by a different condition.
True. If you are experiencing any of the issues described in this article, you should talk to your doctor right away. Even if your doctor rules out ovarian cancer, many of these symptoms can also be signs of noncancerous diseases and other conditions, such as ovarian cysts and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
