What Your Body Might Be Trying to Tell You: Ovarian Cancer

Bloating. Feeling full after barely eating. A dull ache in your tummy. Sound familiar?

These are the kinds of symptoms we tend to brush off or chalk up to our cycle, stress, or that extra helping at dinner. But here's the thing: sometimes these symptoms could point to something more - especially if they are persistent, new, not typical for your body or accompanied by other symptoms -  and when it comes to ovarian cancer, early diagnosis can make all the difference.

So, what exactly is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries — the two small organs responsible for storing eggs and producing female sex hormones. It mostly affects women over 50, but it can affect anyone who has ovaries. The tricky part? The symptoms aren't always obvious which is exactly why so many cases get caught late.

What does it actually feel like?

This is where it gets important. The main symptoms to look out for include a swollen or bloated tummy, pain or tenderness in your tummy or pelvic area, feeling full quickly after eating or not having an appetite, and a frequent or urgent need to pee.

Other signs can include indigestion, back pain, unexplained weight loss, feeling constantly tired, and unusual vaginal bleeding — including heavier periods or bleeding after menopause. 

Now, before you spiral — these symptoms are very common and can be caused by a whole range of conditions. But that's not a reason to ignore them. It's a reason to get them checked.

Who's more at risk?

Your risk increases with age, and most cases are diagnosed in women over 50. You may also have a higher chance if ovarian or breast cancer runs in your family, if you have endometriosis or diabetes, or if you've never used hormonal contraception. Smoking and being overweight are also factors that can raise your risk. 

The bottom line?

Know your body. If something feels off and it keeps coming back, don't wait it out — get it checked. If you've already seen a doctor but your symptoms haven't improved, gone away, or are getting worse, go back. You know yourself best, and advocating for your health is always worth it.

Hope you learnt something new!

Team ARA NINI Health

References: Image 1 Image 2