Ovarian cancer affects anywhere between 20,000 and 200,000 women in the United States each year. While ovarian cancer can be deadly if contracted, listening to your body and taking steps to ensure wellness can improve your chances of surviving this deadly disease that so many are fighting.
Since September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a few common symptoms to look for that may imply your ovaries are experiencing distress.
1. Persistent Abdominal Bloating and Pelvic Pain
Bloating and cramps could be as common as a particularly intense monthly cycle; however, they could also be signs of something more serious in the ovarian area. If either of these symptoms becomes persistent, more intense than usual, or leads to serious discomfort, it can be well worth it to speak to a healthcare professional.
2. Quickly Feeling Full
Having an abnormally low appetite or feeling full soon after beginning to eat can be signs of abdominal distress, which can be an early symptom of ovarian cancer. This symptom becomes serious when it lasts for a long period without getting better on its own, hitting a level of persistence that is uncommon for one’s body.
3. Frequent Urination
Ovarian troubles can also cause women to feel the urge to urinate more frequently than is normal. Since ovarian problems often do not display symptoms, an awareness of changes in urination can bring about a faster diagnosis if something is wrong.
4. Other Common Symptoms
Symptoms that may be a part of a woman’s monthly cycle may also point to ovarian distress if they become irregular, persistent, or cause abnormal discomfort. They include:
- Irregular menstruation or bleeding between periods
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Constipation
The American Cancer Society states that when these symptoms point to ovarian cancer or other issues, “they tend to be persistent and represent a change from normal.” Pelvic and abdominal discomfort comes with being female, but it is when these discomforts become persistent problems or increase in severity that they can point to something much worse.
Often by the time ovarian cancer is detected and diagnosed, the cancer has become stronger and isn’t as easily combatted with treatment. If you feel that something isn’t right, the team at All About Women is always available for support or to schedule an appointment. We also offer regular screenings and services that can help catch abnormalities before they become larger problems.
Visit our website to learn more about these preventive care services and screenings designed to keep you healthy.