Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease that is often diagnosed in later stages where it has become incurable.
The disease is diagnosed in 7,000 women in the UK every year and two-thirds are diagnosed at a later stage, which makes treatment more difficult. It's been grimly labelled a 'silent killer' given the tendency for the warning signs to develop in later stages of disease, reports The Mirror.
Indeed, many GPs - 44 percent - mistakenly believe symptoms are only present in later stages, explains Target Ovarian Cancer. So how can women monitor the signs despite the odds?
The good news is that if the disease is diagnosed at the earliest stage, nine in 10 women will survive - making symptom awareness front and centre.
Dr Jackson-Spencer says there are nine known symptoms of ovarian cancer including bloating, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.
She added: "Ovarian cancer often goes undiagnosed until it reaches the late stage due to its symptoms being vague and often overlapping with common/less serious conditions."
According to the NHS, feeling bloated and experiencing a swollen tummy are common warning signs of ovarian cancer. But there are a number of other red flags that could signal the devastating disease too.
Ovarian cancer symptoms
Bloating
Feeling full quickly
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Frequent need to urinate
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unexplained tiredness
Unexplained weight loss
Change in bowel habits.
Bloating is one of the most little-known symptoms of the cancer, says Target Ovarian Cancer.
Dr Jackson-Spencer says one of the difficulties of the disease is the lack of screening.
"Unlike cervical and breast cancer there aren't robust screening tests for ovarian cancer," she noted. "So it’s important to get any symptoms checked out by a doctor. Your GP might want to do a blood test, internal examination or refer you for an ultrasound scan."
The women's health expert added: "If caught early, ovarian cancer can be less serious, that’s why it's super important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible."
What causes ovarian cancer?
While the exact cause can't be pinned down, the doctor says there are a few factors that increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
For instance, women over the age of 65 face a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer - half of all cases occur in women in this age group.
Dr Jackson-Spencer added that family history is another risk factor: "Approximately five to 10 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are thought to be hereditary."
Other higher risk factors include starting their period at a younger age or going through menopause later in life.
"The increase in the number of times you ovulate creates more opportunities for cancerous cells to develop," explained the Dr Jackson-Spencer.
Patients who have received radiotherapy treatment for cancers, such as bowel cancer, also face a greater risk.
For more information or support about ovarian cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.
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