Symptoms and Causes

As mentioned above, ovarian cancer symptoms usually become apparent in later stages. Ovarian cancer symptoms are quite similar to other health problems, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, PCOS/PCOD, etc., in the early stages and people often end up ignoring the symptoms. However, this mistake can prove to be fatal for the individual. That's why, every woman must be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

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What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

When a cancerous tumor starts to form in the ovaries, their normal function gets disrupted and the woman starts to notice the following signs and symptoms:

Abdominal bloating is caused by the growth of the tumor or fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. The bloating also persists after menstruation.
Pelvic pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal region. The pain intensity may range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent.
Difficulty in eating or loss of appetite is also common in patients who have ovarian cancer. This usually happens when the tumor puts pressure on the stomach or intestines.
Urinary issues, such as increased urgency or frequency of urination. As the tumor presses the bladder, some women may lose control or experience difficulty in emptying the bladder fully.
Fatigue is a general feeling of weakness that is common for various conditions. It can appear as a direct symptom of the cancer itself or the body’s response to the disease (the immune system fighting against the cancer cells to destroy them).
Menstrual changes appear abruptly with ovarian cancer. The woman may notice symptoms like irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or postmenopausal bleeding which weren’t present before.
Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, indigestion, gas, and bowel issues (constipation or diarrhea) can also arise as an effect of the tumor on the digestive system.
Unexplained weight loss without any known reason can also be a sign of ovarian cancer. It usually happens when the cancer is in the advanced stages.
Back pain without any obvious cause also indicates that the pain may be associated with ovarian cancer.
Shortness of breath is also common with late-stage ovarian cancer. It indicates that the cancer has spread to the lungs or there is significant fluid buildup in the abdomen which is leading to difficulty in breathing.

All of these symptoms can be attributed to various other conditions, which are less serious and easily treatable. That’s when the frequency and persistence of the symptoms should be noticed. If any of these symptoms arise more than 12 times a month and they do not respond to the usual treatment options, always consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

What causes ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer doesn’t have an exact cause. It is believed to be caused due to a combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. The development is attributed to the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of the different types of cells present in the ovaries.

Genetic Mutations: These can be inherited or acquired mutations. Inherited mutations are passed down from parents, which means the woman has BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene that increases her chances of ovarian as well as breast cancer. The acquired mutations happen at later stages of the woman’s life and can be influenced by random errors in DNA replication, environmental factors, or lifestyle choices.
Hormonal Factors: The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s life have a major impact on her overall health. This includes the estrogen exposure and ovulation process. With prolonged estrogen exposure, whether it is due to the early onset of puberty, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer. This is because estrogen stimulates ovarian cell growth and the increased activity can lead to the development of abnormal or cancer cell growth. With each cycle of ovulation, the ovary releases an egg which repeatedly ruptures and then the ovarian surface is repaired. Each time, this increases the risk of DNA damage, which can lead to abnormal growth of the cells.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: A diet high in saturated fat, where the body doesn’t get ample nutrition, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. A major lifestyle choice of smoking regularly is also associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. In some studies, it is also suggested that using talcum powder in the genital area can also increase the risk, though the evidence is not conclusive.

Besides these known causes that contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, there are also several risk factors that increase the risk significantly.

Risk Factors

It should be noted that while the risk factors and causes of ovarian cancer are known, a woman having one or more multiple factors doesn’t necessarily indicate that she will develop ovarian cancer. The risk factors that raise the likelihood of a woman developing ovarian cancer are mentioned below:

Older Age: A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer increases with her age, especially after 50.
Genetic Predisposition: A woman who has a family history of cancer among close relatives or has had any condition that is related to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, is more likely to develop the condition.
Late Childbearing: Most women aren’t aware of this, but not having a full-term pregnancy increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
Menstrual History: Women whose puberty starts before the age of 12 and women who have late menopause, i.e., after 50 are also at a higher risk of ovarian cancer due to prolonged exposure to estrogen hormone.
Fertility Treatments: Women who had to rely on assisted reproductive technologies or hormonal therapies to address fertility issues or hormonal imbalance respectively are more prone to developing ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis: It is a condition where the cells that are similar to the uterus lining (endometrium) grow outside in either ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis directly increases the risk of clear cell and endometrioid cancers, which are types of ovarian cancer.
Obesity: Excessive weight is directly linked with higher levels of estrogen, which ultimately serves as a risk factor for various types of cancers.

Smoking: Smoking is a habit that compromises the body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight and destroy cancerous cells throughout the body. Thus, the risk of developing ovarian cancer and other types of cancers increases.

When to see a doctor?

As mentioned above, the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer resemble other conditions. Hence, you should never ignore persistent signs indicating your overall health is compromised, especially reproductive health. You should see a doctor when you notice the following signs and symptoms:

Pain in the pelvis or abdomen that lasts for more than 2 weeks.
Bloating that persists after periods.
Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food or sudden loss of appetite.
Urinary problems that are not associated with urinary tract infections and last for more than a few weeks.
Losing a considerable amount of weight without clear reasons.
Changes in bowel movements that last for more than a few weeks.
Persistent and unexplained fatigue accompanied by bloating and pelvic pain.
Pain or extreme discomfort during intercourse.
Menstrual irregularities or suddenly getting periods after menopause.

If any of these symptoms arise and last for more than 2 weeks, or they appear and disappear abruptly, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider and get a confirmed diagnosis. This will help to find the exact cause of these health issues and rule out ovarian cancer. And even if the patient has ovarian cancer, getting an early diagnosis will significantly improve the treatment outcomes, so, do not ignore these warning signs.

About Oncare Cancer

Oncare Cancer is a dedicated healthcare provider specializing in comprehensive cancer care. Our mission is to offer compassionate, personalized treatment and support for patients battling cancer, ensuring they receive the highest quality care throughout their journey. With a team of experienced oncologists, advanced medical technologies, and a patient-centered approach, Oncare Cancer is committed to improving the lives of those affected by cancer.

Oncare Cancer offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our patients, including:

Diagnosis and Screening: Advanced diagnostic tools and screening programs to detect cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options: A multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Support Services: Comprehensive support services, including counseling, nutritional guidance, pain management, and rehabilitation.
Patient Education: Resources and educational programs to help patients and their families understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

Our team of experts includes highly experienced oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, support staff, and counselors who will aid you in your times of need. We are strongly committed to ensuring that patients receive the best quality care and support throughout their journey.

Get Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Delhi

If you are seeking expert and affordable ovarian cancer treatment in Delhi, look no further than Oncare Cancer. We understand that each patient is unique, and we are committed to providing individualized care that meets their specific needs. Our patient-centered approach involves:

Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailoring treatment strategies to the individual characteristics of each patient’s cancer.
Holistic Care: Addressing not only the physical aspects of cancer but also the emotional and psychological challenges patients may face.
Family Involvement: Encouraging the involvement of family members in the care process, providing them with the support and information they need.

Oncare Cancer is dedicated to advancing the field of oncology through research and innovation. We actively participate in clinical trials and research studies to explore new treatments and improve patient care. Our commitment to research ensures that our patients have access to the most up-to-date therapies and cutting-edge treatment options.

For more information about Oncare Cancer and the services we offer, give us a call and talk to our care experts who’ll help you and your loved ones navigate the challenges of ovarian cancer with expertise, compassion, and hope.