Ovarian cancer affects hundreds of thousands of women each year. But, if more people knew the signs, symptoms, and risk factors to look out for, these cases could potentially be caught at earlier stages, making them easier to treat and beat. So, in order to raise awareness, we put together everything you need to know to understand ovarian cancer. Keep reading to find out what ovarian cancer is, what the signs and symptoms are, and what potential risks you might face and how to lower them.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the ovaries and grow. This kind of cancer has different grades, depending on how abnormal the cells are. Grade 1 means the cells look semi-normal and grow slowly, Grade 2 means the cells look more abnormal and grow fast, and Grade 3 means the cancer cells look completely different from normal cells and grow extremely quick. Ovarian cancer is broken down into four stages:
- Stage I: the cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes.
- Stage II: the cancer has spread to other areas of the pelvis, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, or nearby organs.
- Stage III: the cancer has spread to the abdomen or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: the cancer has spread to other, distant organs, like the lungs or liver.
Signs & Symptoms
Ovarian cancer may not cause any pain or symptoms in the early stages, and most people do not experience any signs until the cancer is more advanced. Like any disease, the symptoms can vary per person and will not always show up the same. It’s important to speak with a provider as soon as you notice any symptoms. The sooner your doctor can diagnose you, the sooner they can come up with a treatment plan, boosting your odds of beating the cancer.
These symptoms can include:
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen
- Irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding
- Lump in the pelvic area
- Gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, constipation, or other bowel changes
- Changes in eating habits, like getting full earlier than usual, or losing your appetite
- Frequent urination
- Swelling from fluid retention in the feet, ankles, or lower legs
Risks & How to Lower Them
Many people can be at risk for developing ovarian cancer without knowing it. These risk factors increase the chance of developing ovarian cancer. Potential risk factors include age, family history of ovarian cancer, reproductive history, hormone replacement, and endometriosis. Though there are no current ways to prevent cancer, there are certain lifestyle changes and behaviors that will help to reduce your risk, including:
- Giving birth and breastfeeding
- Taking birth control pills
- Having your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed
Whether you are at risk of developing ovarian cancer, or want more information, the Greenville Women’s Care team is here to support you in any way we can. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and provide quality service to each and every patient. We know that cancer is scary and unpredictable, but our staff is here for you every step of the way. To schedule an appointment with our provider, give us a call at 252-757-3131.