Ovarian cancer can no longer be called "The Silent Killer." Symptoms are often subtle, but they are not silent. Women with ovarian cancer DO have symptoms, even in the early stages.
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer often include abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and feeling the need to urinate urgently or often. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include fatigue, upset stomach or heartburn, back pain, pain during sex, and constipation or menstrual changes. As you can imagine, these symptoms can be caused by a variety of benign conditions, which is why ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed in its early stages. After all, most women experience some of these symptoms at some point in their lives! The most important thing to keep in mind is that women should see their doctors if they experience these symptoms for longer than two weeks, and if any of these symptoms are new to them. Some other things to remember are a Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer, and there is currently no vaccine.
It is important for all of us to be persistent with our doctors about our health care. Keep the lines of communication open, and be sure to mention any unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. Don’t be afraid to talk about how you are feeling. Don’t be afraid to break the silence.
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