When abnormal cells begin to multiply in the ovary, it forms a tumor. If the tumor is not diagnosed at an early stage, cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, and the treatment procedures become more challenging. While ovarian cancer, when detected at an early stage, can be treated easily, the problem is that it doesn’t show any early warning signs. Read on to find out the symptoms of the condition.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
The initial symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

1. Abdominal bloating
2. Abdominal pain or pressure
3. Frequent urination
4. Increased urge to urinate
5. Difficulty eating
6. Easily feeling full after eating

These symptoms may also be an underlying cause of other diseases. Due to the tendency of most individuals to not take these signs seriously, they don’t avail medical attention till it is quite late. If not diagnosed on time, the tumor can spread to the nearby tissues or organs, causing irreversible damage. That’s why it is recommended to opt for regular screenings and full-body checkups, especially for people aged 40 and above.

The common symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer include:

1. Heartburn
2. Constipation
3. Indigestion
4. Painful intercourse
5. Back pain
6. Fatigue
7. Dermatomyositis
8. Menstrual irregularities

If these symptoms come and go, they may be occurring due to certain other underlying conditions or as side effects of a certain illness. But if these symptoms persist, there’s a high chance of ovarian cancer.

The risk factors that increase your chances of ovarian cancer include the following:

1. Old age: While ovarian cancer can occur at any age, women aged 50 and above are more at risk of this illness.
2. Family history: If your immediate relative in the family has had or has ovarian cancer, you have an increased risk of the disease.
3. Gene mutations: Gene mutation inherited from your parents also carries a significant risk of ovarian cancer. These genes are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). They are also associated with the risk of breast cancer.
4. Hormone replacement therapy: Women who use large doses of hormone therapy for a long period of time are at a greater risk of ovarian cancer.
5. Menstruation: Starting menstruation at a younger age and menopause at a later stage in life also poses a risk of ovarian cancer.
6. Reproductive history: Women who use infertility medications or have never birthed and breastfed are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

How to prevent ovarian cancer?
While there is no specific way to completely prevent ovarian cancer, doctors recommend a few factors that lower the risk of this disease.

Some of the ways in which one can reduce their chances of developing ovarian cancer are as follows:

1. Hysterectomy
2. Tubal ligation
3. Breastfeeding
4. Taking birth control pills
5. Pregnancy

The best way to prevent ovarian cancer from getting fatal is to opt for regular screenings, especially if there is a history of this condition in the family.