Chances are you or someone you know has been touched by cancer.
The news of cancer is devstating for a family and community.
There is so much uncertainty for the future, and this is certainly true of ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately ovarian cancer can often be missed in its early stages, because the symptoms are easy to ignore.
Fortunately, there is now more research coming out to guide us on the signs to watch out for.
The ovaries are only about thesize of almondsand are located pretty deep into your abdomens.
This makes their symptoms difficult but not impossible to catch.
Noticing these changes and reporting them to your doctor is vital for your treatment.
That means that ovarian cancercan affect your bathroom trips.
Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include needing to urinate more frequently, and changes in your bowel movements.
If you notice that you’re suddenly always feeling the urge to go, talk with your doctor.
However, if that bloating never goes away, it should be checked out.
A study in the scientific journalBJOGreported the importance of catching ovarian cancer symptoms right away.
Researchers interviewed women diagnosed with ovarian cancer about the changes they had noticed leading up to diagnosis.
One of the most common was persistent abdominal bloating.
One study participant described it as very noticeable.
I put it on but I could only stand it for half an hour.
Even my knickers are leaving a big red line all round me," she described.
Pelvic pain
Holistic PhysicianDr.
Svetlana Kogantold me that any woman with new onset pelvic pain should be checked for ovarian cancer.
If you’ve noticed any kind of new pelvic pain, double-check to discuss it with your doctor.
Study participants were asked about their symptoms before and after the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Women who notice constant pelvic orback painshould talk with their doctors about what could be causing it.
Unexplained weight gain
Sudden weight gain is one of the lesser known symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Premenopausal women may also notice that theirabdomens seem biggeror wider.
Painful intercourse
Noticing a newpain during sexcan be a symptom of ovarian cancer.
You may notice adeeper painin your abdomen which may worsen, depending on your position.
Your doctor will ask you if the pain happens every time you have sex and what makes it worse.
If you’ve been noticing this, start paying attention to how often it happens.
Fatigue
This is a tricky one to notice.
Most of us have way too much on our plates and almost always feel tired.
It’s not unusual for me to catch myself yawning all day long.
With two little kids and a business, who wouldn’t feel tired most of the time?
The trick is to notice if there hasbeen a difference.
Dr. Manahan recommends having regular pap tests to detect cervical cancer early.
Once detected early, it can be treated before it spreads to the ovaries.
Dr. Manahan also recommends regular rectal exams and talking with you doctor if you notice any new bloating.
However, treating ovarian cancer early is crucial, and seeing your doctor is the first step.
If you notice any changes in your body from how younormally feel, pay attention to them.
Maybe it’s nothing, or maybe you’re catching something early.
Either way, you’ll be glad you went.
