A gynaecologist has revealed one ovarian cancer symptom you should never ignore.
Experts say the biggest issue with ovarian cancer is that it is often diagnosed in its later stages, with 75% of cases classed as a late stage diagnosis, where the cancer has already spread to the abdomen or other parts of the body. An early diagnosis has been directly linked to a higher survival rate.
Gynaecologist Dr Susanna Unsworth said ovarian cancer does not often cause significant symptoms until it has already become quite advanced. But, she says there are some subtle signs you can be on the lookout for, the Mirror reports.
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She said: "I would encourage booking a review with your GP if you are experiencing them, many of the symptoms are subtle and do not mean that you have ovarian cancer. But it is worth having them checked out to hopefully exclude any underlying problem."
The "key symptoms" to look out for are bloating, pain, urinary symptoms and a lump or swelling. She went on to explain what exactly to keep an eye on for each of these.
For bloating, she said: "New onset bloating, bloating that does not settle within two to weeks, bloating that is happening frequently without an obvious trigger, and bloating that is not resolving with the usual treatments/dietary changes".
She added that you also need to be wary of back pain. She said: "A new pain in the pelvis, back or lower abdomen that does not quickly settle" can be a symptom.
She also warned about being aware of your bathroom habits. Dr Unsworth said: "If you're urinating more frequently or developed the need to get up during the night to pass urine" this could be a warning sign.
In addition to this, you may also experience a loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating and if you notice any lump or swelling in the lower abdomen or pelvis, Dr Unsworth recommends seeing your GP straightaway, although she claims this would be an "unusual" early sign.
Other symptoms to look out for include persistent indigestion, change in bowel habit (either constipation or diarrhoea), unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
She goes on to explain what you should expect if you speak to a GP about any of these issues. She said: "These symptoms can often be quite subtle, and many are associated with other common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. The key thing is if the symptoms are new to you, are different to your usual symptoms, or do not respond to your usual treatments, then it makes sense to get them checked out.
"When you see your GP, discuss the symptoms you are experiencing. I would also suggest telling your GP that you are concerned about ovarian cancer. As a doctor, it is much easier for me, if I also know what you are worried about – that way I can assess the problem fully for you, making sure whatever is done has helped answer the questions you had.
"After discussing the symptoms, your GP will likely want to do an examination. This will include an examination of your tummy, and may also include an internal vaginal examination as this is the best way to see if there are any swellings around the ovaries.
"In early ovarian cancer, often the examination will actually be normal, as there may not yet be anything to feel. Therefore, your GP will likely arrange other tests for you such as a pelvic ultrasound or Ca125 blood test looking for a protein known as a tumour marker."
Dr Unsworth added: "Your GP may also want to arrange other tests as the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be fairly vague and can overlap with other conditions. This might include other blood tests to look for inflammation or potential causes of tiredness, or may also include tests of your poo to look for any bowel problems.
"If any of these tests raise any level of concern, your GP will refer you to see a gynaecology specialist to arrange further assessment. If the tests are normal, the likelihood of ovarian cancer is extremely low and other options to manage the symptoms can be recommended."
Dr Unsworth is an NHS Community Gynaecology and Menopause Specialist and the Founder of Cambridge Women’s Health Menopause Clinic and menopause supplement Meno8.
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