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Emerging Symptoms Associated With Ovarian Cancer

Because ovarian cancer can have such a high mortality rate, it's important that women be vigilant to watch out for possible ovarian cancer warning signs.

Because so many of the symptoms and indicators of the disease are often associated with other ailments, they can go unnoticed, reducing the chances for early diagnosis until after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

For an overview of some of the basic signs and symptoms associated with this disease, keep reading.

Bloating

Constant and persistent bloating is often a clear indicator of ovarian cancer, especially if it's a significant change in a patient's bloating habits. So, if you've noticed an increase in how much and how often you're bloating, talk to you doctor.

Pelvic and Stomach Discomfort

Abdominal and pelvic pain or chronic constipation is more common in women with ovarian cancer than those without.

Loss of Appetite and Decreased Weight

Like many cancer patients, one of the clearest ovarian cancer warning signs is a significantly decreased appetite, trouble eating and, subsequently, significant weight loss. Patients who often feel full after eating just a little bit of food or who have recently developed trouble eating should consult a doctor.

Urinary Dysfunction

Many women with ovarian cancer complain of a constant need to urinate, urinary incontinence, an urgency to urinate or an increased frequency in their urination. The symptoms are comparable to a urinary tract infection but typically without the addition of painful urination.

Fatigue and Pain

Because general fatigue and a dull, back pain are common symptoms for many women - often experienced a few days every month - it's hard for patients and doctors to associate them with possible ovarian cancer.

However, unlike women without ovarian cancer, patients with this disease typically experience these symptoms on most days, not just several days a month.

Family History

If you know that your family has a history of ovarian cancer, it's important to tell your doctor and be screened or evaluated on an ongoing basis. Essentially, if one immediate family member or two members of your extended family have been diagnosed with the disease, then it could be a clear warning sign and an indicator that you need to watch out for possible symptoms.

The good news is that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce many of these warning signs, and early detection often results in a stronger prognosis. So, watch your body, be aware of changes and don't be afraid to consult with your physician.

By: Trevor Price

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