Ovarian cancer: Symptoms women shouldn't ignore!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a tumour forms in the ovary's cells. Ovary cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of female reproductive although it accounts for about 3% of cancers in women.

Since ovarian cancer rarely shows symptoms in early stage, it often goes undected until it reaches advanced stage. Symptoms of advanced stage ovarian cancer can cause some confusion as they are often the same and mistaken for some other less serious conditions such as - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

The most common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include -

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Increase in urination
• Fatigue
• Menstrual problems
• Weight loss
• Constipation

Make sure that you talk to your doctor if you experience any sighns and symptoms that worry you.

Also, learning about the causes and risk factors such as age, obesity, inherited gene mutation, famity history, use certain fertility drugs or hormone therapies, etc, can help reduce the chances of getting ovarian cancer.