THE EARLIER YOU KNOW ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER, THE SAFER YOU'RE

The earlier you know about ovarian cancer, the safer you're
Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of all cancers that affect women (in terms of deaths/cases per year). It refers to any cancerous growth that begins in the ovary. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women and the tenth most common cancer among women. Among the gynecologic cancers, those affecting the uterus, cervix, and ovaries; ovarian cancer has the highest rate of deaths.

In most cases, ovarian cancer isn’t diagnosed until it has progressed to an advanced stage. This is because ovarian cancer symptoms either aren’t apparent in the early stages of the disease or they mimic common stomach and digestive issues that are often mistaken for minor ailments. Women are more likely to experience symptoms once the disease has spread beyond the ovaries.

Many people mistakenly believe that a Pap smear test can detect ovarian cancer. In fact, there is no reliable routine screening test for ovarian cancer, so women with a family history of the disease or other risk factors should talk to their doctor about genetic testing and other steps to monitor or help reduce their risk.

In 2017, about 22,440 women in U.S. are expected to receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and around 14,080 are expected to die from this disease. This is to note the levity of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer symptoms
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may be confused with less serious, non-cancerous conditions, such as pelvic pain.
If you experience persistent symptoms for more than a few weeks or notice a change in your ovarian health, consult a doctor for follow-up. Common symptoms may include: Abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea.

Changes in appetite, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full sooner, pressure in the pelvis or lower back. A more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation, changes in bowel movements, increased abdominal girth, tiredness or low energy, changes in menstruation.

Treatment
Treatment for ovarian cancer may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. Often more than one treatment is used.
The kind of treatment depends on many factors, including the type of ovarian cancer, its stage and grade, as well as the general health of the patient. It is therefore pertinent to detect this health issue in time in other to increase its increase of damaging the body system.