6 Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the kind of cancer that originates in the ovaries and can spread to the other parts of the body. Women have two ovaries, each on either side of the uterus, and these reproductive organs are small in size. Unless this form of cancer spreads across the abdomen and the pelvis, it largely goes undetected.
Here are some early warning signs of ovarian cancer that women should be aware of:
- Abdominal bloating
When a woman has ovarian cancer, the pelvis or the abdominal region is filled up with fluid content that the body begins to retain. These areas bloat up considerably and make them feel uneasy. Bloating in the abdomen or pelvic area is one of the most common early warning signs of ovarian cancer. - Urinary urgency
When tumors develop in the body, they take up a lot of space around tissues and organs in the part of the body they develop. This creates pressure on the bladder and makes it feel loaded with fluid, due to which one might get a sudden urge to urinate. The condition can also result in bladder spasms. If one notices this early warning sign of ovarian cancer, they must visit a doctor at the earliest. - Persistent pain
If one feels a sharp, persisting pain in the back, abdominal, or pelvic region, it might be an indication of ovarian cancer. Cancerous mass would exert pressure on several organs and cause pain and discomfort, and the areas surrounding these organs may also become painful. - A shift in bowel habits
There could be several reasons that cause a change in a person’s bowel habits, but constipation and diarrhea could also be early warning signs of ovarian cancer. A tumor exerts pressure on the bowels, which can also cause thin and narrow stools. - Loss of appetite
A lack of appetite or finding it difficult to eat could indicate ovarian cancer in women. This is a sign that a lot of women often brush aside, but an unexplained lack of appetite and weight loss due to it is an early warning sign of ovarian cancer. If a woman finds herself losing appetite or feeling full after eating just a few morsels, they should visit a doctor. - Excessive fatigue
Fatigue is something a lot of people feel when they suffer from poor eating habits or follow an unhealthy lifestyle. While it is quite common and can be caused by common like strenuous physical activity, excessive fatigue could also be an indicator of serious diseases like ovarian cancer. When the body is trying to fight a disease, it suffers from exhaustion. If one often feels fatigued without engaging in any physical activity, they must consult a doctor to address it.