Many women knows all about breast cancer and cervical cancer, but not many knows anything about ovarian cancer. We have listed 10 truths you need to know about ovarian cancer:
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading cancer in women
Ovarian cancer is currently ranked 5th among the most common cancer in women, but the risk vary from different lifestyles. When knowing that many women think of ovarian cancer as the same as cervical cancer the number is quite disturbing.
Ovarian cancer compared to cervical cancer
Due to the smear test cervical cancer is often detected in its early stages – long before it has developed into cancer. In the US less than 1.000 women are killed every year by cervical cancer but in the same time more than 4.500 women are killed by ovarian cancer.
The early symptoms
If you listen to your body, you’ll be able to detect the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. The symptoms include:
- Feeling bloated all the time. Gas comes and goes and shouldn’t be mistakes for symptoms of ovarian cancer. You need to notice a general increased stomach which aren’t caused be weight gain.
- Having difficult to eat and feeling persistent full.
- Persistent pelvic and stomach pain.
- Feeling lethargic
- Back pain
- Changes in your bowel habits
If any of the listed symptoms has lasted more than a month, you need to see a doctor for a check up.
Detect ovarian cancer early gives you a fighting chance
If ovarian cancer is detected early, you have a great change of recovering. More than 70 percent will survive ovarian cancer when treated in its early stages. make sure to get your annual check up at your GP and see a doctor if you experience any symptoms.
Clear Smears won’t help
When getting a smear test, you’re only tested for cell changes that potentially could lead to cervical cancer. The test won’t show ovarian cancer.
Screening test is on it’s way
At this moment there’re no screening tests for ovarian cancer. Scientists are right now running clinical trials and results and implementation are expected soon.
Ovarian cancer is often mistaken for other illnesses
Unfortunately ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect, because the symptoms are mistaken for other illnesses. Back in 2009 75% of all GP didn’t have enough knowledge about the symptoms caused by ovarian cancer. Often the symptoms are mistaken for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which symptoms resembles the symptoms of ovarian cancer. To be sure what causes the symptoms further medical examinations are necessary.
Younger women can also develop ovarian cancer
Ofte women who develop ovarian cancer is over 50, but if there’s ovarian or breast cancer in your family, the risk is increased. Make sure that your GP or doctor is aware of this. Unfortunately some symptoms can be mistaken as fibroids or endometriosis. Studies shows that young jewish women and women who origins from Pakistan, Poland, and Iceland has a larger risk of developing ovarian cancer due to genetic faults.
The Pill reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer
If you have been on the pill for more than five years, your risk of developing ovarian cancer is reduced with 30 percent. Have you been on the pill for more than 15 years, your risk is reduced by 50 percent. This is caused by the fact that pills stops the ovulation process. Moreover, giving birth and breastfeeding will also reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Overweight increases the risk of ovarian cancer
Studies show that overweight women have a 80% larger risk of developing ovarian cancer once their menopause begins. Exercising has a positive effect on the risk of developing ovarian, bowel, and breast cancer, and by trimming down the waist size to below 80 cm or at least below 88 cm you also decrease the risk of developing heat diseases and type 2 diabetes.