Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women in the United States. Unfortunately, many women do not discover they have ovarian cancer until it is in the later stages of the disease, making it harder to treat.

This is why it is important to understand the warning signs of ovarian cancer.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries produce eggs that are released during ovulation, and they also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and can be fatal.

Who Is at Risk for Ovarian Cancer?

There are several factors that can increase a woman’s risk for developing ovarian cancer. These include:.

Age – most cases of ovarian cancer occur in women over the age of 50
Family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer
Personal history of breast cancer
Presence of certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
Using fertility drugs
Having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

What Are the Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer?

There are several warning signs of ovarian cancer that you should never ignore. These include:.

1. Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

Women with ovarian cancer may experience pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may be accompanied by bloating or nausea.

2. Bloating

Women with ovarian cancer may experience bloating, which is a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. The bloating may be accompanied by abdominal pain or discomfort.

3. Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly

Women with ovarian cancer may have difficulty eating or may feel full very quickly. This is often accompanied by bloating or abdominal pain.

4. Urgent or Frequent Urination

Women with ovarian cancer may experience a sense of urgency to urinate or may feel like they need to urinate more frequently than usual.

5. Changes in Bowel Movements

Women with ovarian cancer may experience changes in their bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea.

6. Fatigue

Women with ovarian cancer may experience fatigue, which is a feeling of extreme tiredness or lack of energy.

7. Back Pain

Women with ovarian cancer may experience pain in the lower back or pelvis.

8. Menstrual Changes

Women with ovarian cancer may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, such as heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, or they may stop having periods altogether.

9. Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Women with ovarian cancer may experience pain during sexual intercourse.

10. Unexplained Weight Loss

Women with ovarian cancer may experience unexplained weight loss, which is weight loss that occurs without dieting or exercising.

When Should You See Your Doctor?

If you experience any of the warning signs of ovarian cancer for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor.

Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, blood tests, and imaging tests (such as an ultrasound or CT scan) to determine if you have ovarian cancer.

If you are at high risk for ovarian cancer (due to factors such as age, family history, or gene mutations), you should talk to your doctor about screening options.

Screening tests for ovarian cancer include pelvic exams, blood tests (such as the CA-125 test), and imaging tests (such as an ultrasound or MRI).

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to detect in its early stages. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of ovarian cancer and to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

If ovarian cancer is detected early, it is more treatable, which can increase your chances of survival.