Signs of Ovarian Cancer Every Woman Should Know

Ovarian Cancer is the 5th most common cancer for women, and it is also considered the most fatal. It occurs when there’s a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. These cells multiply quickly and can spread and destroy other healthy body tissue.

Often, when a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it has already reached its later stages, which is why it’s also considered a silent killer.

Before we talk about the signs of ovarian cancer, it’s essential to know that there’s no way to know if a woman will get ovarian cancer or not; however, several factors may increase a woman’s risk.

A woman is at a higher risk for ovarian cancer if:

• She is middle-aged or older.
• She has a close family member who has had ovarian, breast, endometrial (uterine), or colorectal cancer.
• She is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• She has an abnormality or genetic mutation associated with ovarian cancer.

Please keep in mind that women who are not at high risk can still get ovarian cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of Ovarian cancer are difficult to detect and often overlooked because they’re usually attributed to other common conditions. But it’s worth knowing.

Here are the commons signs of ovarian cancer that you should be aware of:

• Abdominal bloating
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Change in bowel and urinary habits
• Difficulty eating
• Discomfort in the pelvic area

While these symptoms can be vague, it’s critical to pay attention to how long they last. When a symptom is caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to occur more often or are more severe.

Final Thoughts

If you or anyone you know fits the profile of women at high risk or currently experiencing some of the mentioned symptoms, we encourage you to speak to us to discover what preventive or treatment measure is right for you. 

You can call our office at (613) 592-0862, or you can fill out the form on this page and have a patient advisor call you today.