Ovarian Cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. Although it is technically classed as a rare cancer, it still affects around 6,700 women each year in the UK. Risk varies from woman to woman and depends on how old you are, your genes and your lifestyle. According to charity Target Ovarian Cancer, a woman has a one in 50 chance of developing the disease over her lifetime. But the risk rises as you get older, with four in five cases occurring after the age of 50.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer symptoms are not specific to the disease, and they often mimic those of many other more-common conditions, including digestive and bladder problems. When ovarian cancer symptoms are present, they tend to be persistent and worsen with time. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
*Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
*Pelvic discomfort or pain
*Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
*Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
*Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
*Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
*Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
*A persistent lack of energy
*Low back pain
If you have signs and symptoms that worry you make an appointment with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
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