Cancer Information Tips :: Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs
Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs: The Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Because ovarian cancer can have such a high mortality rate, it's important that women watch out for possible ovarian cancer warning signs.
A woman's chances of survival are strong if the ovarian cancer is caught early, but approximately 75% of women are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread beyond the ovaries, and this is when survival rates drop to around 20 or 30 percent.
For an overview of some of the basic signs and symptoms associated with this disease, keep reading.
Bloating
Pronounced bloating can be an indicator of ovarian cancer, particularly if the bloating is more than average, uncomfortable or painful. If you're experiencing abnormal bloating, consult with your doctor about the possibility of ovarian cancer.
Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Abdominal and pelvic pain or chronic constipation is more common in women with ovarian cancer than those without.
Poor Appetite and Weight Loss
Another one of many ovarian cancer warning signs is when patients have trouble eating or often feel full even after consuming just a small amount of food. Because of their decreased appetite, weight loss is often common and a powerful indicator for ovarian cancer.
Urinary Problems
Many women with ovarian cancer complain of a constant need to urinate, urinary incontinence, an urgency to urinate or an increased frequency in their urination. The symptoms are comparable to a urinary tract infection, but typically without the addition of painful urination.
Fatigue and Pain
Unfortunately, the fatigue and back pain experienced by many patients with ovarian cancer is similar to pre-menstrual symptoms experienced by many women without ovarian cancer. The systems are generalized and not specific enough, but they can be helpful when diagnosing the disease.
However, unlike women without ovarian cancer, patients with ovarian cancer typically experience these symptoms on most days, not just several days a month.
Family History
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, this can be one of your strongest warning signs. If one of your immediate family members (mother, sister) or two of your extended family members (grandmother, cousin, aunt) have been diagnosed with the disease, it's important to let your doctor know so that you can undergo frequent screening.
The good news is that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce many of these ovarian cancer warning signs and early detection often means a stronger prognosis. So, watch your body, be aware of changes and don't be afraid to consult with your doctor.
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CancerInfoTips.com :: Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs