Every March, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on one of the deadliest yet often overlooked cancers affecting women. With over 7,000 new cases diagnosed each year, ovarian cancer remains the 6th most common cancer in women.
Therefore, early detection is crucial as survival rates are significantly higher when the disease is caught early. This month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on key facts and symptoms of ovarian cancer to spread the word and raise awareness..
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grown uncontrollably. There are different type of ovarian cancer, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most common and recent research suggesting that some ovarian cancers start growing from the fallopian tubes.,
Signs and Symptoms to look out for
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be easily mistaken for some other common conditions, which is why some omen can dismiss them or not seek medical help early enough. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can include:
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- A swollen tummy
- Persistent bloating (not that kind that comes and goes)
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Urinary changes (needing to urinate more often or urgently)
- Tiredness
- Bowel changes
- Weight loss and feeling sick
- Indigestion
- Vaginal bleeding
You should see your doctor if you have symptoms that are unusual for you or won't go away. Your symptoms may not be cancer, but it is important to get them checked by a doctor.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts have can have similar symptoms to ovarian cancer but are fluid filled sacs that develop on an ovary. They are very common and usually do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own without needing any treatment. They are usually not cancerous but sometimes can be.
Again, if you are concerned, then it’s best to get checked out.
Help and Support
Help and support is available for those affected by Ovarian cancer from Target Ovarian Cancer, Ovacome and Ovarian Cancer Action.
Kirsty Dakin, Associate Solicitor and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor from MDS, said ‘Ovarian cancer awareness month is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer as the earlier cancer is detected the more treatable it is.’
