Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death from gynecological cancers and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women today.
It typically starts with slow and silent growth in one ovary, but the signs and symptoms can vary depending on where it starts.
The signs and symptoms typically include pelvic or abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, bloating and weight gain, fatigue, malaise (a general feeling of being unwell), diarrhea or constipation, changes in mood such as sadness or anxiety.
If you notice any of these that last for more than a few days after your period, see your doctor immediately to rule it out.
This is a rare type of cancer that affects women who are in their reproductive years. It is diagnosed in about 30,000 women each year. Every year, 1 out of 9,000 women will die from ovarian cancer.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms and know how to detect if you or a family member have ovarian cancer at an early stage. This is the only way to ensure that you can get treatment for this disease quickly so it can be controlled or cured.
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What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the reproductive organs, specifically the ovaries. It is the most common type of female cancer in women who are aged 45-50 years old. It usually progresses slowly and often does not cause any symptoms until a large tumor has begun to form.
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Causes of Ovarian Cancer
There are numerous risk factors for developing ovarian cancer such as:
– Age (over 50 years old)
– Family history (first or second-degree relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer before 60 years old)
– Obesity (body mass index ≥ 30)
– Infertility (not able to conceive after 12 months of trying)
– Endometriosis (having endometrial tissue outside the uterus).
Tips to Prevent Ovarian Cancer in Women
The good news is that it can be prevented by taking the following measures:
1. Get checked regularly
Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic malignancy in women and an estimated 22,000 women will be diagnosed in 2017. It is imperative that we all get checked regularly and early to prevent it.
2. Use contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies
Contraceptives are a common form of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is also one of the most commonly used methods in the world. One study found that 95% of women who use the pill use it correctly & consistently, which helps to prevent ovarian cancer.
3. Have children when you’re older than 35 years old
Ovarian cancer accounts for 10% of all cancers in women, making it the most deadly gynecological cancer. The average age at diagnosis is 49 years old. There are many factors you can take to help reduce the risk, but having children in their 30s is one of them. If you’re 35 years old or older when having a child, there’s a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.
4. Don’t smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol
The most recent statistics show that the risk is three times greater for women who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol regularly. The risks are higher for smokers and drinkers who have a family history of ovarian cancer.
5. Drink lots of water
Drinking a lot of water can help prevent it. Drinking water helps flush out toxins and keep your body hydrated. Researchers have also found that a diet with a lot of vegetables and fruit can lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
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Conclusion & Warning Signs for Future Symptoms if You Have Developed Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and often has an undetectable early stage. This disease can be fatal if it is not treated and can cause disability and infertility. It’s also hard to detect due to the lack of symptoms that we usually associate with specific types of cancer.
Future symptoms may include abdominal bloating, fatigue, nausea, appetite changes, pain in your side (abdominal), puffiness around your eyes (sphincter), or vaginal bleeding.
There are also certain warning signs for this disease such as pelvic pain, change in bowel habits (gas or diarrhea), swollen abdomen with a growing mass (indigestion), pelvic pressure/pressure on the bladder (bladder spasms), change in menstrual
1) If you have a sudden or recent onset of symptoms that can be linked to ovarian cancer, it is important to seek medical attention.
2) If the symptoms last longer than a few weeks, consult with a doctor.
3) Do not delay in taking further actions if the symptoms persist.
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