Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often very subtle, so much so that they may not be considered a problem until the disease has progressed past the point of being easily treatable.  These symptoms are common things we’ve all experienced without ever viewing them as problematic.  What is unique in the case of ovarian cancer, is that these symptoms like boating, or loss of appetite, will happen persistently every day. 

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women.  This equates to about 250,000 women newly diagnosed annually, and 140,000 annual deaths from ovarian cancer.  Although ovarian cancer can occur at any age, women above the age of 60 are at higher risk.  Statistically, about half of diagnoses occur in women 63 years old and above. When diagnosis occurs in younger women, the cases are often more aggressive.

Being aware of the symptoms can increase the chance of finding ovarian early, and treating it effectively.  The reiterate the significance of this, when ovarian cancer is found early the survival rate (5 year) is up to 95%.   If it is allowed to progress, the survival rate drops to 18%.  Here are some common symptoms to look for, and if they persist not ignore:

·         Abdominal/Lower Back Pain: Pain in the lower abdominal or belly area can be an indication of ovarian cancer.  This pain should feel different than regular cramps and persist for over two weeks with no common explanation like a stomach bug or menstrual period.  Many times this is coupled with lower back pain that is persistent and dull. 

·         Upset stomach: We all get an upset stomach from time to time, but constant nausea, gas, heartburn or indigestion is a red flag that something bigger may be at work.  Long-term indigestion is another symptom of ovarian cancer.

·         Loss of Appetite/Weight Loss: When cases begin to advance, it can affect the metabolism of the sufferer and cause loss of appetite and weight loss.  If 10 or more pounds are quickly lost with no change in daily habits, this is not a good sign.  Any quick and unexplained weight loss especially if appetite is lost should be discussed you’re your physician. 

·         Gassy/ Bloating: Again, bloating especially during that time of the month is something all women have experience.  However, if this feeling of bad bloating is not going away, it may warrant a doctor’s visit.  Usually this gas pain and bloating is so bad that it can be extremely uncomfortable and make you go up a pants size. 

·         Urinary Frequency: Going to the bathroom more often and in an urgent manner can be a sign of ovarian cancer.  This would be worse than usual if you were already experiencing problems and would worsen as time goes on.  This may be due to a growing ovarian tumor pressing on the bladder. 

·         Constipation / Diarrhea: Changes in normal bowel habits occur when an ovarian tumor swells.  Because of the placement of the ovaries in the abdomen, the tumor puts pressure of the intestines, stomach and bladder leading to things like constipation and diarrhea. 

·         Vaginal Bleeding: Spotting and irregular bleeding is an early warning sign of ovarian cancer.  About 25% of ovarian cancer patients experience this.  This bleeding would happen at random times outside the regular menstrual period, and act as a red flag that something could be wrong.