Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms tend to be virtually non-existent when the cancer is just starting to form. And when ovarian cancer does produce symptoms, many times the cancer has progressed to a stage where it is much difficult to treat. To make matters even worse, most ovarian cancer symptoms even at this point are not ‘major’. In fact, they tend to be so ‘typical’, a woman may not even go to the doctor for them, as she assumes there isn’t anything wrong with her. Yet, the few women that do go tend to have a better chance at getting treated, than those that go when things appear more serious. For this reason every woman needs to be aware of the basic ovarian cancer symptoms, and consider at least getting a general checkup if she has them. These ovarian cancer symptoms are explained in greater detail below.
Abdominal Swelling
Abdominal swelling is one of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms. The swelling is not painful, though it can make it difficult for a woman to put on clothes that previously fit. Either way, abdominal swelling is not normal, unless a woman has done things in which she is sure the swelling is associated with weight gain. And even then a woman should not necessarily dismiss the swelling, since weight gain can also be an ovarian cancer symptom. Besides, even if weight gain is not an ovarian cancer symptom, it is still not healthy. So, a trip to the doctor is still warranted.
Pain and Other Unpleasant Sensations in the Abdominal Region
If a woman has a lot of pain in her stomach and/or around her pelvic area, she could be experiencing an ovarian cancer symptom. Other unpleasant sensations could include feeling pressure around the abdomen or feeling the type of fullness one experiences after they’ve eaten a big meal.
Gastrointestional Problems
Bowel problems, nausea, indigestion and even excess gas are all ovarian cancer symptoms. Unfortunately, these are so typical even with healthy people a woman may just think her body is going through one of those days. Yet, if these problems persist continuously for two weeks, they definitely could indicate ovarian cancer.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is only acceptable when a woman is on her period, going through implantation bleeding for an early pregnancy or spotting from birth control pills that are known to cause such side effects. A woman experiencing this problem any other time could be experiencing an ovarian cancer symptom.
Painful Intercourse
Women who are aroused and adequately lubricated should not experience pain during intercourse. If they do they do, the problem could be an ovarian cancer symptom. However, it should be noted that painful intercourse can also be the result of psychological problems. Only a visit to the doctor and even the psychiatrist will allow a woman to know for sure.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties may cause a woman to feel compelled to go to the doctor, though neither may suspect the problem is an ovarian cancer symptom. However, the woman can at least bring up her concerns about ovarian cancer. The doctor will keep her concerns in mind, especially if he or she determines the individual is at greater risk for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually pretty easy to spot. Symptoms include problems with digestion, abdominal pains and swelling, problems with gas and regularly experiences nausea. These are the signs that you will first see, as the cancer develops more symptoms will be seen.
Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates
It’s a shame but only 35 percent of women who get ovarian cancer will survive the terrible cancer. Researchers however are searching for a new drug which will increase the chance of ovarian cancer suffers surviving, initial research has been positive however it will be some time before they find a drug that cures cancer completely.