Ovarian cancer is a particularly terrible disease in that it often has no symptoms until it’s too late. Most women are diagnosed at stage III or IV when the cancer has spread to other organs. But what if there were signs that gave us a heads-up about how advanced the cancer was and how best to treat it? Here are five to watch out for.
Bloating
A sensation of fullness in the abdomen is called bloating. It occurs for a variety of reasons. It is normal to feel bloated, especially around one’s monthly cycle; however, consistent bloating that lasts for more than three weeks is not normal. Persistent bloating accompanied by visible abdominal distension is a common symptom of ovarian cancer.
Constipation
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues may be related to stress, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ovarian cancer. Constipation can occur with ovarian cancer because the tumor may block the colon, preventing the waste from being expelled. Differentiating constipation from other GI symptoms may be difficult but is important in diagnosing this disease.
Prolonged Abdominal Pain
Chronic pelvic pain that lasts for over three weeks could signal ovarian cancer. While this symptom is common to many illnesses, it is vital to note if the pain has no identifiable source or seems unconnected to other health factors.
If a person’s symptoms improve when his or her stress is alleviated, the pain may be stress-related. If a person’s symptoms improve if he or she changes his or her diet, the pain may be due to a problem with the gastrointestinal system.
Bladder Issues
Urinary symptoms associated with the development of ovarian cancer include bladder pressure, pain, frequent urination, and a sudden urgent need to urinate. Women who experience urinary problems, including pain while urinating, sometimes think they have a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, bladder-related symptoms can also be caused by problems in the reproductive system.
Urinary symptoms that last more than a few days or that occur suddenly after years of previously normal urination are a cause for concern and should be reported to a primary care physician or OB/GYN.
Difficulty Eating
Loss of appetite is a major symptom of ovarian cancer. Additional ovarian cancer signs and symptoms include fullness, early satiety, and difficulty eating even small meals. These early symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses such as anorexia or bulimia, which is why it is important to seek medical attention in the event of any change.
