If a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer during the early stages of the disease, her survival rates are excellent (75%) - that means it's critical to keep an eye on potential 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 it has already spread beyond the ovaries, and this is when survival rates drop to only around 20 or 30 percent.
To learn more about symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer that you should watch out for, read on.
Abdominal Bloating
Constant and persistent bloating is often a clear indicator of ovarian cancer, especially if it's a significant change in a patient's bloating habits. So, if you've noticed an increase in how much and how often you're bloating, talk to you doctor.
Pelvic and Stomach Discomfort
Chronic pelvis and stomach pain along with constipation and digestion problems are more common in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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
Urinary incontinence and a frequent or urgent need to urinate are both common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Patients often compare these symptoms and warning signs to a painless urinary tract infection (UTI). That is, the increased need to urinate but without the burning or pain during urination often associated with a UTI.
Back Pain and General Fatigue
Because general fatigue and a dull, back pain are common symptoms for many women - often experienced a few days every month - it's hard for patients and doctors to associate them with possible ovarian cancer.
One clear indicator is if the symptoms are persistent and almost daily rather than restricted to a specific period. However, other symptoms should be present before the patient is screened for cancer.
Family History
A family history of ovarian cancer 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 warning signs, and early detection often results in a stronger prognosis. So, watch your body, be aware of changes and don't be afraid to consult with your physician.
For helpful information on various cancers, please visit cancerinfotips.com, a popular site providing symptom and treatment insights, such as a kidney cancer symptoms, immune system supplements, and many more!
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