1. Early Detection Can Save Your Life
While ovarian cancer usually occurs in women over the age of 50, it can also happen to younger women. As with all cancers, early detection is the key. Ovarian cancer can be difficult to find and has either no or very mild symptoms until it is in advanced stages. Ovarian cancer, in late stages, can spread to other organs in the body, like the uterus, fallopian tubes, abdomen, liver and lungs.
2. Six Common Symptoms May Signal Ovarian Cancer
While ovarian cancer usually has no early symptoms, the University of Washington has found six common symptoms that may help detect ovarian cancer earlier. These symptoms are pain in the pelvic or abdominal region, bloating, the feeling of being full, difficulty eating, and urinary frequency and urgency. Women who experience all these symptoms should insist on being checked thoroughly for ovarian cancer. Keep in mind that ovarian cancer is rare and accounts for only three percent of all cancer types among women. These symptoms can also be signs of irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Factors That Put You At Risk
There are five risk factors that increase the possibility developing ovarian cancer. Women with direct family members (mother, daughter or sister) who have had ovarian cancer, have a greater chance of developing the disease. Women who have personally had cancer of the uterus, colon, breast or rectum may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who are over 55 years of age also have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer, as well as, those who have not had children. Finally, women who have undergone hormone therapy for menopause and took estrogen alone for more than ten years have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer.
4. Prevention Is Key
Obesity and excess fat increases a woman's chances of developing ovarian cancer. This includes younger women and teenagers. The key is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet during the younger teenage years and keeping it healthy throughout life. Another way to lower the risk of getting ovarian cancer is with oral contraceptives. The longer you have been on oral contraceptives, the lower your chances may be.
5. Fighting the Cancer Inside
The type of treatment the doctor may prescribe will depend on the type of ovarian cancer you have, and what stage it is in. The following information is only a basic guide as to what to expect. Your oncologist and cancer team may decide on one or more treatment options. These will be discussed prior to beginning any form of treatment. Don't be afraid to ask questions like what type of side effects you will experience and if you have to avoid situations while undergoing treatment. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapies are three main types of treatment for ovarian cancer. There are times that two, or even all three, treatments may be recommended.
