Understanding the Serious Nature of Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs
One of the dangers associated with ovarian cancer warning signs is the failure to take them seriously when they first appear. To a degree, this is because all the common warning signs are also symptoms associated with other ailments that are somewhat less serious. However, it is definitely to your advantage if you choose to proactively ask a doctor about the possibility of ovarian cancer being present.
The most common warning signs for ovarian cancer are:
- Abdominal bloating/ Feeling Full
- Appetite loss
- Unexplained weight gain
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Back Pain
- Frequent Urination
- Abdominal / Pelvic Pain
- Fatigue
It is important that the cause of any unusual or persistent symptoms are investigated by your doctor, and don’t hesitate in obtaining a second opinion if you are not at ease with the diagnosis of your current doctor
One example has to do with a sudden change in urinary habits. If you seem to experience constipation more often and for no apparent reason, or find that you need to urinate more often even though your intake of liquid has not changed significantly, the origin may be a bladder issue. It can also be a symptom of the development of a tumor on one or both of your ovaries. The only way to know for sure is to consult your doctor, and determine what is causes the problem.
Both women and doctors also may tend to overlook ovarian cancer warning signs like pain in the pelvis. All too often, women may assume the problem is simply a muscle strain, or possibly the onset of unusually strong pangs related to a menstrual cycle. Doctors may also assume the pain is due to some other origin, prescribe something to ease the discomfort, and fail to use any tests to determine if there is any unusual growths developing on the surface of an ovary. While this symptom is relatively easy to play down, don’t take the chance.
The development of issues during sexual intercourse can also be one of the warning signs associated with ovarian cancer. For women who normally enjoy intercourse with their partners, the sudden appearance of pain may be annoying but may be written off as possibly being dry. However, when vaginal bleeding begins to occur along with the pain, there is a greater chance that the matter will be taken seriously. Don’t wait for the bleeding to commence. If you find that intercourse is becoming painful, see your doctor immediately.
While there are many reasons for feeling lifeless and out of energy, few women consider the possibility that ovarian cancer may be the root cause. In fact, developing fatigue for no apparent reason is one of the more common of all ovarian cancer warning signs. Even a doctor may assume it is due to a vitamin deficiency or possibly the onset of mild depression. Should you notice your energy level is flagging, it never hurts to press your doctor to test you for signs of cancer in the ovaries, as well as the rest of your reproductive system. If the origin of the fatigue is cancer, catching it early will increase your chances of survival significantly.
The bottom line is that any time you experience one or more of the common ovarian cancer warning signs, take the situation seriously. Rather than assuming it is caused by something else, take the guesswork out of the equation and see a doctor immediately. If the issue is not cancer, that is all the better. However, if you are in the early stages of ovarian cancer, finding out and beginning aggressive treatment immediately will make all the difference in your chances for a long and happy life.