6. Urgent or Frequent Urination
When a woman has a frequent and strong urge to urinate and has trouble holding urine for short periods of time, it could be due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or a urinary tract infection. However, if it continues after seeking medical treatment, it is important for a woman to mention it to her doctor.
7. Pain During Sex
The most common reason for pain during sexual intercourse is because of insufficient vaginal lubrication.
In women who have advanced ovarian cancer, pain during intercourse is usually felt in the right or left side of the pelvis.
8. Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal swelling or bloating is very common in women with ovarian cancer. As the disease progresses, abdominal distention and bloating will become worse. The abdomen will constantly increase in size and it is a symptom which requires urgent medical investigation.
What are The Risk Factors Associated with Ovarian Cancer?
The precise cause of ovarian cancer is not known. However, there are risk factors associated with the disease which every woman should be aware of and these include:
Childbearing and menstruation: Women who have never had children are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women, who begin menstruating before the age of 12 years old or those who have reached menopause at a later age, also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The number of menstrual cycles a woman goes through seems to be linked to the chances she will develop ovarian cancer. [4]
Age: Women who are above the age of 50 years old are at a greater risk for ovarian cancer. Approximately half of all women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed over the age of 60 years old. These statistics do not mean ovarian cancer does not happen in younger women, but it is much rarer in those younger than 40.
Genetic mutations: The main genetic mutations which are closely associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes produce tumor suppression proteins. Women with the BRCA1 gene have a 40% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Those females with the BRCA2 genetic mutation have about a 10-20% lifetime risk for ovarian cancer. [5]
Family history: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, colon cancer or breast cancer, it can directly increase the chances you have of developing ovarian cancer. [6]
Certain medications: Women, who take hormone replacement therapy after menopause or those who have used infertility medications in large doses and for long periods of time, can have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Other risk factors: Some other risk factors which increase a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer include obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, smoking and using an intrauterine device.
There are no reliable testing methods which can effectively screen for ovarian cancer. It is important for a woman to see a doctor if she has any concerns about ovarian cancer. A physician will generally perform a pelvic exam and an ultrasound to check a woman’s internal organs for any abnormalities. Blood tests can also be conducted to test for the proteins that are present when a woman has ovarian cancer.
Medical researchers continue to study ovarian cancer to develop better detection methods for earlier diagnosis. Until that time comes, a woman should pay close attention to her body and listen to her gut instincts when it tells her something might be wrong. By taking an active role in your own healthcare, you can be your own advocate and know what to do in the event you develop a serious health condition.
