This article was originally published on February 13, 2017, and has since been updated. Cancer, as a broad spectrum of disease, is currently one of the leading causes of death worldwide (1) and is responsible for 30% of all deaths in Canada — more than any other disease or possible cause (2). Ovarian cancer specifically was estimated to have 2,800 new cases and 1,750 deaths in Canada (3), and 22,280 new cases and 14,240 deaths in the United States in 2016 (4), according to the Canadian and American Cancer Societies.
Learning ovarian cancer symptoms early is one of the best ways to receive treatment and improve outcomes.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when the cells of the ovaries develop tumors that become malignant. This type of cancer is known as the silent killer due to a perceived lack of symptoms and difficulty being detected with screening. Though most common in post-menopausal women, more and more cases show increased prevalence in women in their 30s and 40s, perhaps even younger.
Research out of the UK found that early detection of cancer can drastically increase your chance of survival, so paying attention to your body and regular check-ins with your doctor are key.(5) (6) There is currently no one reliable test for ovarian cancer, but new research shows that there are signs and symptoms of early-stage ovarian cancer. As women, we must be observant and know when something is a red flag.
4 Symptoms that may be signs of Ovarian Cancer:
- Persistent Bloating: If you notice you are getting bloated consistently and often (frequently happening for more than three weeks), where you weren’t before, this could be a sign of cancerous tumors growing.
- Lower Abdominal and Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain that sticks around long after your period is gone (again, three weeks or more) could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Difficulty eating/feeling full quickly: If you notice a significant decrease in your appetite for a span longer than three weeks, talk to your doctor.
- Increased need to urinate: If you find yourself visiting the ladies room at a much higher frequency, despite making no changes to liquid intake, you may have early stages of ovarian cancer.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms when you weren’t before, it is important to monitor their frequency and persistence. If they don’t go away after three weeks or more, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about getting checked for Ovarian Cancer. Help us fight ovarian cancer by sharing this article with your friends and family! For more information on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian cancer, visit Ovarian Cancer Canada.
For more information on other cancer symptoms for women, you can visit The Hearty Soul: 4 Early Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer That Every Woman Needs To Know.
Sources:
- World Health Organization. (2017, February). Cancer.
- Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Cancer statistics at a glance.
- Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Ovarian cancer statistics.
- Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance. (n.d.). Statistics.
- Andrew, E. (2016, August 15). Early Diagnosis Triples Cancer Survival Rates.
- Ovarian Cancer Canada. (n.d.). Signs & Symptoms.
