Many people aren't diagnosed with ovarian cancer until it becomes difficult to treat, because it rarely causes symptoms early on.It's not uncommon for symptoms to be nonspecific and mistaken for more common conditions.Ovarian cancer has a 90-percent cure rate when it is diagnosed in an early stage.To catch ovarian cancer early on, assess your risk, keep an eye out for symptoms in combination with each other, and track how frequently they occur.
Step 1: Bloating lasts for more than 3 weeks.
Irritable bowel syndrome or pre-menstrual syndrome can be a symptom of long-term bloating.If it lasts for most days in a three-week period, you should get it checked out by your gynecologist.If it is not serious, give them tips to relieve the bloat and they can put your mind at ease.
Step 2: You should be aware of pain in your lower abdomen.
If this pain occurs when you're not on your period, take notice.It may be persistent for a few days or come and go throughout the month.If the pain becomes chronic, you should see your doctor to discuss treatment.
Step 3: It's a good idea to look out for incontinence or a frequent urge to urinate.
If your urge to go comes out of the blue or you are having trouble holding your urine, visit your gynecologist.It is a good idea to have these symptoms checked out just in case.Over a two- to three-week period, these symptoms get worse.
Step 4: Check for bleeding from your vagina.
If there are red or brown spots on your underwear, you need to check the toilet paper.If you're not having your period, taking medication that is supposed to suppress it, or don't have a period at all, abnormal bleeding may be a cause for concern.If it is a symptom of ovarian cancer, you should go to your doctor.Ovarian cancer can be a sign of bleeding or pain during sex.
Step 5: Unexplained back pain is something to look out for.
You can throw your back out as you get older.If you develop pain that you can't connect to a strain or odd sitting position, you should call your doctor.Ovarian cancer is one to watch out for, it could be a symptom of many different ailments.
Step 6: Make sure to pay attention to gastrointestinal problems.
Ovarian cancer can cause many different gastrointestinal issues, such as loss of appetite, gas, indigestion, or constipation.If you are experiencing symptoms for several days a week, it is a good idea to see a doctor.It's possible that nausea or vomiting is a sign of ovarian cancer.
Step 7: If you start to feel full soon after eating, take note.
You should look for any appetite changes that are out of the ordinary.If you don't get full after 20 minutes of chewing your food, you should make an appointment with your doctor.Changes in appetite can be a result of many different factors.Changes in appetite can be caused by ovarian cancer.
Step 8: There is a decrease in energy and fatigue.
Stage 4 ovarian cancer can cause chronic tiredness or exhaustion.If you can't seem to get your energy back, pay attention.Ovarian cancer is a symptom of fatigue accompanied by a high temperature.
Step 9: If you have a hard time breathing, go to the hospital.
You should go to a doctor if you can't get enough air.This can be a sign of ovarian cancer, which can cause fluid to build up around the lungs.
Step 10: If you have a combination of these symptoms, see a doctor.
There is no need to panic if you begin to experience one of these symptoms.If you experience more than one symptom at a time, you should see a doctor.Write down the number of times you have a symptom in a month.If any symptom is out of the ordinary for you, you should see a doctor.If you are at a high risk for ovarian cancer, be alert to any developing symptoms.
Step 11: You should take your age into account.
Once you go through menopause, your risk of ovarian cancer increases as you get older.Half of ovarian cancer diagnoses are made by people over the age of 63.If you've been taking HRT for over 10 years, you might be at risk.If you're on HRT, you should switch to medication that also contains progesterone.
Step 12: Your medical history should be looked at.
Take note of any previous cancer of the breast, colon, or uterus.If you have endometriosis, you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.If you experienced menopause before the age of 50 or had your first period before your twelfth birthday, take note.Ovarian cancer is more likely to occur if you have never had children or are infertile.Obesity increases your risk.If your body mass index is 30 or higher, you're clinically obese.
Step 13: Take a note of family members who have had the disease.
If your mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother has ovarian cancer, be alert.You can check both maternal and paternal branches of your family tree, as you are affected by genes from either side of the family.
Step 14: Get tested for genetic anomalies.
If a close family member has been diagnosed, you should ask your doctor for a referral to a genetic specialist who can assess you for risks and benefits for genetic testing.If the doctor recommends genetic testing in your case, you can be tested for the genes.There is a chance of developing ovarian cancer if you have a genetic abnormality.Your risk drops to 10 to 30 percent if there is a genetic abnormality.If you have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, you are 10 times more likely to have a variation on these genes.
Step 15: If you can, use contraceptives.
Ovarian cancer can be caused by changes in your ovaries.The birth control pill and IUDs are internal methods of contraception.You can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer if you use hormonal contraception for five or more years.
Step 16: If you are at high risk for surgery, talk to your doctor.
If you have a high chance of getting ovarian cancer and can't use other prevention methods, like hormonal contraception, ask your doctor to explain the different options of permanent birth control.There are tubal ligation, partial hysterectomy, and complete hysterectomy.It is a major decision to go through these procedures because they will permanently prevent you from having children.This option is worth considering if you don't want children.
Step 17: For at least a year, breast feed your baby.
How often you ovulate can be cut down by breastfeeding.It is possible to cut your risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 63 percent by breastfeeding for 13 months or longer.If you want to suppress ovulation, breast feed every four to six hours.
Step 18: Cut back on animal fat.
Some studies suggest that a vegan diet may reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.Enjoy vegetables like broccoli and onions.You can satisfy your sweet tooth with apples, strawberries, or blueberries.