More than a third of Brits are completely unaware of the crucial signs of a 'silent killer' disease that claims the lives of 11 women a day, according to a new survey.
Ovarian cancer kills more than 4,000 Brits a year and three times as many people in the US, figures show.
Less than half of those diagnosed with the disease survive five years or more, mostly because it is often spotted in late stages, when few treatments are available.
Many of the symptoms are easily mistaken for less serious problems, such as heavy periods and exhaustion.
According to the latest poll on 2000 people, only seven per cent know of some telltale signs of the disease, like indigestion and changes in bathroom habits.
Now, one gynaecologist has warned of the plethora of red flags that all women should take note of — which span well beyond just bloating and pelvic pain.
Dr Susanna Unsworth, a NHS and private women's health expert, said if any of the following, lesser-known 10 symptoms don't resolve within 2-3 weeks, women must seek help.
These include an increased urge to urinate, a change in bowel habit, a change in appetite, indigestion, lower back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain during sex, bleeding between periods and nausea.
appearing bloated is a common sign of ovarian cancer. but having no appetite, needing to wee more and back pain are also signs to look out for
Appearing bloated is a common sign of ovarian cancer. But having no appetite, needing to wee more and back pain are also signs to look out for
Dr Unsworth added that it's especially crucial to pay attention to these symptoms if you have a family history of the disease, which can be linked to genetics.
'If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, or other cancers such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer or prostate cancer, it is worth speaking to your doctor about whether you would be eligible for any genetic assessment,' she said.
Perhaps the most well-known sign of ovarian cancer is bloating, which is often mistaken for digestive problems or even pregnancy.
The charity Ovarian Cancer Action explains that bloating can also be a result of ascites, which is the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Cancer Research UK states: 'When cancer cells spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), they can irritate it and cause fluid to build up.
'Also, cancer can block part of the lymphatic system so fluid can't drain out of the abdomen as usual.'
Having no appetite — or feeling full after eating — is another sign. Just like bloating, this early satiety can be caused by a tumour or ascites.
This can make sufferers not feel hungry because the fluid pushes against other organs in the tummy including the stomach. It can also cause indigestion and acid reflux.
The Gynae Centre, a private clinic in London, says this 'may make you feel nauseous, uncomfortable or like you are already full' if it affects the gastrointestinal tract.
A tumour can also put pressure on the bowel and cause a blockage, preventing waste and fluids from passing through also causing bloating, constipation and nausea.
Back pain is another common ovarian cancer symptom, yet it's usually brushed off as something else.
An ovarian tumour can cause persistent pain in the abdomen, hips and pelvis.
And if the cance spreads to the abdomen or the pelvis, it can irritate the tissue in the lower back, experts say.
Many women with ovarian cancer also experience pain during sex. That's because the tumour can irritate surrounding tissue in the pelvis and cause discomfort when pressure is applied, Ovarian Cancer Action explains.
bloating and feeling full quickly are both signs of ovarian cancer. according to the charity ovarian cancer action, some women develop visible masses which are a similar size to a football which can be mistaken for a pregnancy bump
Needing to go to the toilet more often is another red flag.
When a tumour grows in the pelvic area, in this case on the ovaries, it can push against the bladder — causing more frequent trips to the toilet.
Internal pressure can also block your ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder, according to Cancer Research. If this happens, the urine is unable to drain away, which can cause the kidney to swell.
Bleeding between periods, or even after the menopause, can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
This is because a tumour on the ovary can disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle and hormones including oestrogen, causing a bleed.
Although many of the symptoms are subtle, many women diagnosed with the disease will have had some of the above symptoms.
‘Sadly, there is currently no good screening tool,' Dr Unsworth said.
'The Ca125 blood test (which is often used as part of the series of tests done if ovarian cancer is suspected), is not a good screening test as it lacks specificity.
'Although levels of this are commonly raised when someone has ovarian cancer, it is also often raised in other conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and even sometimes just with a heavy period’.
Like many cancers lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight, not exercising or eating a healthy diet can increase the risk. But there are also genetic factors.
'There are things that increase the chance of having an ovarian cancer diagnosis such as genetic causes, where women who carry a faulty gene (BRCA genes) are more likely to develop the disease, as well as women who have had a history of endometriosis are at a higher risk,' Dr Unsworth explained.
'There is also some link between the number of ovulations that a woman has. Women who started their periods early, go through menopause late, or have not used any hormonal contraception (which reduces ovulation) do appear to be also at higher risk.'
via. dailymail
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