Early Symptoms of Ovarain Cancer
by Keith Bronson
Experts believe ovarian cancer symptoms are rarely exhibited early at the most treatable of stages, when the survival rate is as high as 95 percent. A recent study has concluded that the majority of women with early stage ovarian cancer, 89 percent of the woman feel that they have experienced abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms prior to their doctors diagnosis.
The causes of ovarian cancer are unclear, but genetic and endocrine factors raise the risk. The most significant link is a positive family history, which is present in 10% of women with the disease. Three hereditary syndromes in which ovarian cancer occurs more commonly affect certain families with a history of early breast and ovarian malignancies and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
These ovarian cancer warning signs are often non-specific, the most common sign is abdominal pain but only 50 percent of woman with ovarian cancer present this.
Combination of the following symptoms and signs may suggest ovarian cancer and should prompt pelvic examination and urgent pelvic ultrasound:
* Pain
* Swollen abdomen
* Palpable mass
* Change in bowel or bladder function
* Back pain
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* Post-menopausal bleeding
Five Questions to ask yourself:
Do you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer?
Only 10 percent of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited genetic mutation, but first degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer will increase an individuals risk of the diasease.
Are you still having periods?
Ultrasound scans and Ca125 blood tests must be interpreted with the knowledge of a woman's menopausal status. Bleeding after the menopause will have a malignant cause in about 10 percent of cases. Exclude endometrial, cervical, vaginal or ovarian malignancy.
Are you urinating more frequently?
An enlarging ovary may press on the bladder. This may happen when the disease is confined to the ovary -stage one. When signs such as abdominal swelling occur, it generally represents stage three ovarian cancer
Have you had a change in bowel habit?
This may be due to an ovarian mass.
Are you suffering from vomiting, nausea or weight loss?
Once ovarian cancer has spread to the abdomen, an omental cake often forms which presses on the stomach.
The risk of ovarian cancer can create a sense of doom and family members may feel like they're sitting on a time bomb. Encourage them to express their fears and help ease their anxieties by clarifying misconceptions. Teach them to tune into their bodies and investigate any signs and symptoms, however minor. They can also live healthier. Encourage them to follow a low-fat diet and to avoid exposure to talc, asbestos, and other potential carcinogens. There's no conclusive evidence that these precoutions can prevent ovarian cancer. But they can't hurt either.
There are a few steps that you can take to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives taken in combination for a period longer than five years could reduce your risk. Hysterectomy surgery or a tubal ligation may also be protective. And breast feeding and pregnancy are known to provide some protection. Women who tend to use powder should mainly use cornstarch based products.
An avid promoter of womans health issues, Keith Bronson prides himself on educating woman on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. For more ovarian cancer information visit http://www.cancer-disease-symptoms.org/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Bronson
No comments:
Post a Comment