Broadcaster Sarah Green raises awareness for ovarian cancer
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Persistent stomach bloating is one key sign of ovarian cancer; it could be indicative that the tumour is growing in size. Book an urgent appointment with your GP if you have a bloated belly for two weeks or more. The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance pointed out three other common signs of the potentially deadly disease. These are:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (feeling urgency or increased frequency)
If any of the symptoms persist for 14 days or more, it warrants an appointment with the doctor.
The charity recommend booking an appointment with a gynaecologist if possible (find gynaecology services near you by clicking this link).
Other less common symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Constipation
- Menstrual irregularities
Be aware that in the early stages of the disease – when the tumour is fairly small – there may not be any symptoms.
This is why it’s advisable by the charity to be aware of the risk factors for developing the disease.
Also bear in mind that the smear test does not test for ovarian cancer; it only screens for cervical cancer.
Am I at risk of ovarian cancer?
Having a family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer increases your risk profile for developing ovarian cancer.
Your risk of the disease is also heightened if you have the mutated BRCA genes.
Women over the age of 40, especially those who have gone through the menopause, are at increased risk of ovarian cancer.
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Certain factors can decrease your risk of developing ovarian cancer, which includes:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Use of oral contraceptives
Diagnosis is likely to include an internal (vaginal) examination, said MacMillan Cancer Support.
Other tests might include a CA125 blood test and an ultrasound scan to inform an ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Treatment of ovarian cancer will depend on the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to other body parts.
Four of the most common cancers in the UK include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and bowel cancer confirmed the NHS.
The best way to reduce your risk of any type of cancer is to lead a healthy lifestyle.
This includes eating a healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, exercising regularly and not smoking.
Macmillan Cancer Support said around 33 percent of cancer cases can be prevented by following these healthy lifestyle guidelines.
Other helpful cancer prevention strategies include taking care in the sun and limiting how much alcohol you drink.
However, there are certain risk factors that you simply can’t control, such as increasing age.
This is the biggest risk factor for developing cancer, with people over the age of 65 at the greatest risk.
People are also at increased risk if they have a close relative, such as a sibling, who has the disease.
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