In the UK, around 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, and unfortunately, two-thirds of these cases are detected at a more advanced stage, making treatment more challenging.
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a "silent killer" because its warning signs typically don't appear until the disease has progressed to an advanced, and often incurable, stage. In fact, 44 percent of GPs mistakenly believe symptoms only present in the later stages of the disease, explains Target Ovarian Cancer.
Dr Frankie Jackson-Spencer commented: "Ovarian cancer often goes undiagnosed until it reaches the late stage due to its symptoms being vague and often overlapping with common/less serious conditions."
The importance of recognising symptoms early cannot be overstated; if detected at the initial stage, the survival rate for women is nine out of ten, placing a spotlight on symptom awareness. The NHS identifies bloating and a swollen tummy as frequent warning signs of the condition.
However, Dr Jackson-Spencer points out that there are other alerting symptoms to watch out for including a "loss of appetite" and/or "abdominal pain." Furthermore, symptoms might also entail abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained fatigue, and an increased need to urinate, reports the Mirror.
Ovarian cancer symptoms could include:
- Bloating
- Feeling full quickly
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Unexplained weariness
- Inexplicable weight changes
- Shifts in bowel patterns
Target Ovarian Cancer has raised concerns that only one in five UK women are aware that bloating is a key symptom of ovarian cancer. Dr Jackson-Spencer pointed out the lack of robust screening tests for the disease, unlike those for cervical and breast cancer.
"Unlike cervical and breast cancer there aren't robust screening tests for ovarian cancer," she said. She emphasised the importance of consulting a doctor if symptoms arise: "So it's important to get any symptoms checked out by a doctor. Your GP might want to do a blood test, internal examination or refer you for an ultrasound scan."
The women's health specialist also noted the significance of early detection: "If caught early, ovarian cancer can be less serious, that's why it's super important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible."
What causes ovarian cancer?
Dr Jackson-Spencer has stated that while there "isn't an exact cause of ovarian cancer", there are a "few factors" that can heighten the risk of developing the disease. Women over 65 are particularly at risk, with half of all ovarian cancer cases occurring within this age group.
Family history is another significant factor, with the expert noting: "Approximately five to 10 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are thought to be hereditary."
Women who begin menstruating at a younger age or experience menopause later in life are also considered to be at a higher risk. Dr Jackson-Spencer explained: "The increase in the number of times you ovulate creates more opportunities for cancerous cells to develop."
Those who have undergone radiotherapy treatment for other cancers, such as bowel cancer, also face an increased risk.
For further information or support regarding ovarian cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support can be contacted.
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