Ovarian cancer affects millions of women worldwide and hundreds die every year because it goes undetected in the early stages. If you want to survive this cancer then it best that you keep yourself informed about this type of cancer – its symptoms, detection and cure.
Here are 5 facts that every woman needs to know about Ovarian Cancer:
- Ovarian Cancer is not a silent killer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are not very pronounced or are very normal to common health issues that make it very hard to detect.
As vague as the symptoms may be the symptoms do surface at least a year prior to the diagnosis.
You need to keep your eyes open for the symptoms that can range from abdominal pain, fatigue, back pain, cramps, unexplained weight loss or gain, indigestion or even heartburn.
- There is not screening for Ovarian cancer
There is not particular test to screen ovarian cancer. A lot of women are of the notion that a Pap smear detects ovarian cancer but the fact is that it detects cervical cancer.
A CA125 blood test can help tell you if you have high protein levels that cause ovarian cancer but it cannot be used as a sole determining factor.
- All women are susceptible to ovarian cancer
Even if you do not have a family history of ovarian cancer you are still at risk of getting it, though having a family history increases your chances.
The risk increases as women cross the age of 50.
- No one knows your body like you do
You know what is normal in your body and what isn’t. If you notice any persistent changes that don’t feel right, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
- Diagnosis at early stage helps in recovery and even survival
A woman should learn to detect the symptoms of ovarian cancer and if detected should be referred to a specialist, which isa gynecologic oncologist, who is a specialist who treats women’s cancers.
Ovarian cancer is normally too late, at an advanced stage, where the survival chances are less as the symptoms are ignored to be as common health issues. Even doctors do not suspect cancer until the frequency increases.
So keep track of health symptoms using a diary which is helpful in the long run.
