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What Every Woman Needs To Know About Ovarian Cancer


Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological disease.

The American Cancer Society says that among the gynaecological cancers, ovarian cancer has the highest rate of deaths.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to catch in its early stages. This is why women should pay attention to their bodies for any unusual changes.

WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER?

The ovaries are part of a woman's reproductive system. When cancer starts in the ovaries, it is called ovarian cancer. Women have two ovaries that are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries make female hormones and produce eggs.

WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING OVARIAN CANCER?

All women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer, however ovarian cancer risk increases with age. Older women are more likely to get the disease than younger women.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER?

In many cases, early stages of ovarian cancer do not present any symptoms.

PRIMARY SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER

Pelvic or abdominal pain

Feeling the need to urinate frequently

Prolonged bloating - which is when the area below your stomach swells or feels full.

Difficulty eating or feeling full too quickly

SECONDARY SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER

Irregular periods or vaginal bleeding after menopause

Constipation

Menstrual changes

Back pain

Upset stomach, heartburn

Pain during intercourse

Please note that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than ovarian cancer, however, if you have any of these symptoms, please speak to your doctor.

DOES THE PAP TEST SCREEN FOR OVARIAN CANCER?

The Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer.

The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer.

Ovarian cancer can be hard to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to other common conditions. This means that it is often picked up late by which time the disease has often spread. Fortunately, if it is detected early, it can be treated successfully before it gets to this stage.

KNOW YOUR NORMAL

Women should pay attention to their bodies and know what is normal for them.

For example, If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding,see a doctor immediately.

If you have any of the other symptoms we mentioned earlier for two weeks or longer, you should see a doctor.

These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see your doctor.

Treatment is most effective when ovarian cancer is found and treated early.

If you would like to get educated on cancer prevention and early detection or find out about where you can get screened, then sign up for our newsletter at canceraware.org.ng/newsletter​ or email us at ​talk@canceraware.org.ng

We can also be reached on 08188046560

Sources

American Cancer Society

Centre for Disease Control

Bright Pink

Full article on woman.ng

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