Ovarian cancer's impact on bleeding: Causes and additional symptoms
In a world where health awareness is paramount, it's essential to shed light on the signs, risks, and screening methods associated with ovarian cancer. This disease can be challenging to detect in its early stages, but understanding its symptoms and risk factors can significantly improve early detection and outcomes.
Ovarian cancer can manifest in various ways, with abnormal vaginal bleeding being one of the most common symptoms. This may include bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, frequent discharge that may be tinged with blood, bleeding after menopause, and changes in a person's menstrual cycle. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, so it's crucial to consult a doctor if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or are unusual for the individual.
Beyond vaginal bleeding, common ovarian cancer symptoms are largely related to persistent, unusual abdominal/pelvic discomfort, digestive and urinary disturbances, appetite and weight changes, and fatigue. These may include persistent pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure, often different from normal menstrual cramps or stomach discomfort; bloating or increased abdominal size, which may cause discomfort and swelling; feeling full quickly when eating or loss of appetite; changes in bladder function, such as increased frequency or urgency to urinate, and sometimes constipation or diarrhea; persistent fatigue or unexplained tiredness that does not improve with rest; unexplained weight loss or gain, linked to cancer's effects on metabolism and appetite; and lower back pain.
It's essential to remember that these symptoms typically persist for weeks and may be mistaken for more common benign conditions. However, their persistence and worsening nature warrant medical evaluation.
Several factors can increase a person's risk of developing ovarian cancer. Age is a significant factor, with the risk increasing with age, particularly in women over 65 years old. Having a mother, sibling, or child with ovarian cancer also increases a person's risk for the disease.
Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are common in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers and increase a person's risk. Inherited breast and ovarian cancer syndromes account for a significant percentage of ovarian cancers.
Obesity and a higher body mass index (BMI) are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. On the other hand, having a recent pregnancy may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by eliminating precancerous cells with the help of pregnancy hormones. Breastfeeding also reduces a woman's risk for ovarian cancer, with protection persisting for more than 30 years.
The use of fertility drugs may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, while the use of combined oral contraceptives reduces a person's risk for ovarian cancer. The use of postmenopausal hormone therapies (PHTs) may increase a woman's risk for ovarian cancer.
Screening for ovarian cancer is dependent upon a person's symptoms and genetic predisposition. Pelvic tests, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests can screen for and help detect ovarian cancer in those at higher risk. Genetic counseling and testing may benefit people with a moderate to strong family history of ovarian cancer, a known inherited mutation in the family, or a personal history of other gynecological cancers.
Early detection of ovarian cancer can significantly improve the outlook. Ovarian cancer is often hard to detect because it rarely presents with symptoms in its early stages, making it crucial to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical advice if concerned.
In summary, understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods associated with ovarian cancer is essential for early detection and improved outcomes. If you have any concerns or notice unusual symptoms, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Regular screenings can help in the early detection of ovarian cancer for individuals with a genetic predisposition or a family history of the disease. This includes pelvic tests, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. (health-and-wellness, womens-health, ovariancancer, science)
Obesity and a higher body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, while pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the use of combined oral contraceptives may reduce this risk. (obesity, BMI, ovariancancer, womens-health)
