Knowing the facts about ovarian cancer

Instances of ovarian cancer are increasing at an alarming rate. Women all across the globe are falling prey to this cancer. Not only is the absence o medical technology to be blamed, but also the lack of knowledge amongst women that is leading to this cancer type. It is high time women are made aware of ovarian cancer and its fact in order to ensure more lives are saved. Cancer treatment centers lay down a few facts that should be made aware to women. Physicians, medical health professionals and medics can all contribute together in making women aware of these facts.

Facts about ovarian cancer

•     The first thing that women need to know is that ovarian cancer does not project symptoms immediately upon its onset. It can sometimes take years before the symptoms surface. The tumor may be growing for a long time within the ovaries and you may have no idea about the growth. Once the symptoms start appearing, it may be too late to act upon them.
•     Although the cancer is usually caught at much later stage, the fact remains that if caught early, the survival rate can be as much as 90%. Yet only 25% of women are able to find out about their cancer in the early stages. Women who are at a high risk group usually get themselves checked regularly and are able to identify the cancer. Women who have a history of ovarian cancer fall under the high risk group.
•     The chances of having ovarian cancer are significantly reduced if you have your first baby in your 20’s. Breastfeeding too significantly reduces your chances of having ovarian cancer.
•     Birth control also helps to effectively prevent ovarian cancer as it lowers the estrogen levels, a factor responsible for the disease.
•     If you are someone who falls under the high risk category, it is advisable to get a hysterectomy or even ovary removal procedure. However this step should be taken only after consultation with your physician and under his guidance.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

As mentioned earlier, ovarian cancer most of the times goes undetected as the symptoms do not surface soon.  The symptoms at the early stage are usually general and non-specific, thus detection becomes difficult. However some of the symptoms include,

•     Discomfort in the abdomen
•     Changes in the bowel movement
•     Fatigue
•     Loss of appetite
•     Sexual intercourse accompanied by pain
•     Pain in the pelvic region
•     Abnormal vaginal bleeding
•     Vaginal bleeding even after menopause
•     Bloating of the stomach
•     Drastic weight loss or weight gain
•     Frequent urination

Although all the above mentioned symptoms are general and can be cause of any illness, if they persist for a long time, contact your physician immediately.

It is time women were made aware about the facts of ovarian cancer in order to avoid its occurrence.