These Are Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer, Don't Ignore It!

Illustration of ovarian cancer (ANTARA/Shutterstock/mi_viri)

JAKARTA - Health problems always appear along with the signs and warnings, but there are still many who are not aware of it and even tend to ignore it.

In the case of ovarian cancer, there are some subtle signs and symptoms felt by the patient. dr. Niti Raizada, director of hemato oncology from Fortis Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore, India said ovarian cancer begins in the female organs that produce eggs.

Some of the common symptoms suffered by ovarian cancer patients are flatulence, changes in bowel habits, indigestion, nausea, drastic weight loss, fatigue, pelvic discomfort, back pain, increased frequency of urination, and irregular menstruation.

In addition, there are also signs such as difficulty eating, there is fluid in the stomach called ascites, and other urination problems. However, this feature is a symptom if a person is already in an advanced stage when cancer has spread to the pelvis and abdomen.

"Unfortunately, there are no symptoms in the early stages. When the cancer is contained in the ovaries, it is the easiest to treat," said dr. Raizada was reported by Indian Express, from Antara, Sunday, March 27.

"Every woman who has ovaries is at risk of developing ovarian cancer, although there are several factors that increase this risk," he continued.

However, there are several ways that can be done to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Diet and exercise

Weekly exercise and a healthy diet are of the utmost importance. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamin D. Exercising 30-40 minutes every day can also reduce the risk by 20 percent.

Avoid carcinogens

Carcinogens are substances capable of causing cancer. Substances such as talcum powder (baby powder, vaginal deodorants, and makeup) are known to have an association with cancer risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women who have given birth to at least one child, especially before the age of 30, have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer and even breast cancer. Breastfeeding is also known to lower the risk.

Healthy lifestyle

Avoiding the use and exposure of tobacco products can not only lower the risk of ovarian cancer, but also many other types of cancer. At the same time, limiting alcohol consumption is best.

Routine check up

Some ovarian cancers are linked to genetic and familial changes with some cases of breast and ovarian cancer. One such important mutation is called BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2).

Identifying a family medical history can help implement risk reduction strategies. It is important to identify high-risk groups through screening. These screening methods include trans-vaginal ultrasound and serum Ca125 (blood test). Screening tools are generally non-invasive.