According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women in the U.S. It is a cancer of the female reproductive system, and the average American woman has about a one in 75 chance of developing it in her lifetime. Though treatable, early diagnosis results in the best recovery.
10 Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Here are some of the early symptoms of the disease.
In its early stages, ovarian cancer usually doesn’t cause many symptoms, but if it does, they can easily be mistaken for another, less serious condition. According to the American Cancer Society, early symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
Abdominal swelling or bloating
Pelvic pressure or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms, such as having to go more often or more urgently
Less common early symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
Fatigue
Indigestion
Back pain
Pain during sex
Constipation
Menstrual irregularities
However, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance reports that the number and frequency of symptoms are more important than the symptoms themselves when its comes to early cancer diagnosis. For example, according to the American Cancer Society, if a woman has one or more of these symptoms 12 times a month, she should consult a doctor.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled that can develop on the ovaries. Though these cysts are quite common during a woman’s childbearing years, for post-menopausal women, the cysts could be due to ovarian cancer. Early signs of ovarian cysts may include:
Pelvic pain
Pain shortly before or after beginning your period
Pressure, swelling or pain in the abdomen
A dull ache in the lower back and thighs
Difficulty emptying your bladder
Pain during sex
Abnormal bleeding
Nausea or vomiting
Still, experts agree that the best way to diagnosis early ovarian cancer are regular pelvic exams conducted by a doctor.