Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects a woman’s ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormonal control in the female reproductive system.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it rarely produces any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It is important to understand the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer, as an early diagnosis can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment.

What Are the Silent Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

While ovarian cancer may not produce obvious symptoms in its early stages, there are some silent symptoms that women should be aware of. These subtle symptoms can include:.

Bloating
Abdominal or pelvic discomfort or pain
Feeling full quickly while eating
Urinary urgency or frequency
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Changes in bowel habits
Back pain
Pain during sex
Irregular menstrual cycles
Unexplained fatigue

It is important to note that these symptoms are also common in other less serious conditions, so experiencing them does not necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer.

However, if you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period of time, it is best to consult your doctor to rule out any potential issues.

Why Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Silent?

The cancer cells in ovarian cancer usually spread beyond the ovaries by the time symptoms start to appear. This is why it is important to have an early diagnosis before the cancer has started to spread.

One reason that the symptoms of ovarian cancer can go unnoticed is that they are often attributed to other less serious conditions. Additionally, the ovaries are located deep within the pelvis, making it difficult to detect early signs through routine gynecological exams.

Who Is At Risk for Ovarian Cancer?

While any woman can develop ovarian cancer, certain factors may increase a woman’s risk. These include:.

A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
Being over the age of 50
Having a personal history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
Having never been pregnant
Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent

If you have any of these risk factors, it does not necessarily mean you will develop ovarian cancer, but it is important to speak with your doctor about any preventative measures you can take.

Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Early detection of ovarian cancer greatly increases your chances of successful treatment. Some early detection methods include:.

Annual pelvic exams, which can detect any abnormalities in the ovaries
Transvaginal ultrasounds, which use high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the ovaries and detect any abnormalities
CA-125 blood tests, which measure the level of a protein called CA-125 in the blood. High levels of this protein can indicate ovarian cancer.

It is important to note that these tests are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as biopsies.

Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Diet and exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer and other types of cancer.
Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills have been shown to reduce a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer when taken consistently for five or more years.
Breastfeeding: Women who breastfeed for a year or more have been shown to have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Surgical options: For women who have an elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer, some doctors may recommend the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes as a preventative measure.

It is important to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor and come up with a preventative plan that is right for you.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a silent disease that can be difficult to detect in its early stages.

However, understanding the silent symptoms and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer can help you take preventative measures and seek early detection if necessary. Remember to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have and to regularly schedule pelvic examinations to monitor the health of your ovaries.