Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumor. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian Cancer often has warning signs, but the earliest symptoms are vague and easy to dismiss.

Early symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

It’s easy to overlook the early symptoms of Ovarian Cancer because they’re similar to other common illnesses or they tend to come and go.

Abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain

Abnormal fullness after eating

Difficulty eating

An increase in urination

An increased urge to urinate

These symptoms may occur for any number of reasons. They aren’t necessarily due to Ovarian Cancer. Many women have some of these problems at one time or another. These types of symptoms are often temporary and respond to simple treatments in most cases.

Risk factors for Ovarian Cancer:

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. These factors can increase your risk:

A family history of Ovarian Cancer

Genetic mutations of genes associated with Ovarian Cancer

A personal history of breast, uterine, or colon cancer

Obesity

The use of certain fertility drugs or hormone therapies

No history of pregnancy

Endometriosis

Older age is another risk factor. Most cases of Ovarian Cancer develop after menopause.

It’s possible to have Ovarian Cancer without having any of these risk factors. Likewise, having any of these risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get Ovarian Cancer.