Ovarian cancer affects women from all over the world every year. When ovarian cancer is detected early it can be treated and a woman can be cured. If it is not detected until the later stages this can cause the disease to take over and be extremely difficult to treat. Woman cannot detect ovarian cancer themselves, but they can take note of the early warning signs. These signs can include:
• Gas and indigestion
• Nausea, upset stomach and fatigue
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Painful intercourse
• Urgent urination urges
• Feeling full after eating light and small meals
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Menstrual problems
• Irregular bowel movements
Symptoms ovarian cancer can be undetected until it is in the early stages. If a woman experiences early symptoms of ovarian cancer they should go to their doctor immediately. Ovarian cancer symptoms may differ from person to person and the doctor may need to take a variety of tests to find out what stage of ovarian cancer the woman is in. The risks of ovarian cancer include the following:
• Hereditary cases where the family has cancerous genes and have experienced cancers such as breast and colorectal.
• A woman who never gives birth to a child can be at a high risk of ovarian cancer.
• A woman over fifty years of age has more of a risk of developing ovarian cancer symptoms.
• Infertility can be a risky factor when it comes to developing symptoms of ovarian cancer.
• Women who experience menopause at a much later age can be diagnosed.
• Some adolescent girls can develop ovarian cancer if they menstruate before the age of twelve.
These are only some of the risks involved and there is no definite cause for this disease. The first treatment a woman must undergo for ovarian cancer is the surgical removal of the cancerous ovary. This procedure is medically known as an oophorectomy. A hysterectomy is performed if the ovarian cancer is at a much later stage. This involves removing all areas such as the cervical area, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. This type of surgery can be mentally traumatic for a woman to experience, but it might save their life. It is very important to speak to your doctor is you experience any of the ovarian cancer symptoms listed above and have the required tests performed, as well as any examinations. Both women and men can fight against and beat cancer.
Some recommendations for the prevention of ovarian cancer are:
• Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, fiber, and protein. Include all the necessary minerals and vitamins into your diet whether in food form or supplement form. Antioxidant food items such as blackberries and blueberries can help decrease the chances of developing cancer.
• Exercise regularly and try to exercise over two to three times a week. Try to do anything active whether cleaning your house or going for a nice long walk. You do not have to be strenuous with your exercise regimen.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol or avoid it all together.
• Try to stop smoking as this can lead to all types of cancer.
