Sneaky Symptoms Prevent Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Like most cancers, early detection of ovarian cancer is extremely important. However, only around 20 percent of cases are diagnosed early enough to effectively treat the disease. One of the main reasons ovarian cancer is so difficult to detect is because the symptoms can be very subtle and often times, they’re the same symptoms that might arise from a common cold or other “minor” health issues.

The main difference? The symptoms of ovarian cancer will occur daily and they won’t subside. But if you’re not sure what the exact symptoms are for ovarian cancer, Activebeat.com had a great article reviewing some things to look out for - here are some of them:  

Abdominal Pain

Pain in the pelvic area or belly that feels very different from normal indigestion and menstrual problems (i.e., cramps) is indicative of ovarian cancer. Most patients complained of abdominal pain that persisted for longer than 2 weeks, and wasn’t associated with their period, diarrhea, or the stomach flu.

Indigestion

Persistent indigestion, gas, nausea, or other gastro-intestinal issues, like heartburn, are quite common and persistent of ovarian cancer.

Loss of Appetite

Ovarian cancer is known to cause an abrupt loss of appetite that’s normally out of character for the person affected. This is because the cancer impacts metabolism—or the breakdown of food into energy that fuels the body.

Bloating

Frequent bloating or gas pain in your belly or pelvis that doesn’t go away is another symptom of ovarian cancer. For instance, if your abdominals bloat so much that your clothes fit tighter around your waist so suddenly and without diet or activity changes—this may be cause for a doctor’s visit.

Urinary Frequency

Urinary problems, such as being overwhelmed by a sudden urge to urinate as well as peeing more often than usual is a sign of ovarian cancer—this can include bouts of incontinence (complete loss of bladder control before you can get to a bathroom) that will gradually worsen over a few weeks.

Click here to learn about more symptoms of ovarian cancer at Activebeat.com.

Coping With Cancer

Cancer is a disease that affects family members and loved ones as well as the one diagnosed. Coping with the news that someone close to you has cancer can be stressful and emotional, but you don’t have to do it alone. Each person may deal with diagnosis differently, but there are resources that you can look to help guide you and your family through this difficult time.

“How a family handles cancer depends a lot on how the family has dealt with problems in the past. Those who are used to communicating openly and sharing feelings are usually able to talk about how cancer is affecting them. Families who solve their problems as individuals instead of a team might have more trouble coping with cancer.

Cancer treatment includes care for the patient and the family, not just the cancer. A mental health professional may already be a part of the cancer care team. If not, talk with the doctor or nurse to learn about other resources that can help you and your family cope with cancer.

People with cancer often say that lack of communication in their families is a problem. Changes in responsibilities can cause resentment and anxiety. Some family members may not feel comfortable openly discussing their feelings. Other family members may avoid the person with cancer because they feel as if they have nothing to offer, don’t know how to act, or feel they can’t do anything to help make the situation better. These factors can all make families more distant at a time when they need to pull together. Many families need help with this. Through family counseling, members can learn to deal with changes within the family and discuss their feelings more comfortably.”

Find out more about coping with cancer here.