Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive organ that produces eggs and this cancer is challenging to detect during the early stages, as symptoms do not appear until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Ovarian cancer is a ‘silent killer’ as many cases go unreported due to lack of awareness, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Pune, explained, “Some common symptoms include persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. Other less obvious symptoms may include fatigue, back pain, change in bowel habits, and weight loss for no apparent reason.”
An interesting aspect of ovarian cancer symptoms is that they are often subtle and easily overlooked as other less serious conditions, Dr. Swati Gaikwad said, “This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, which can affect outcomes. It is important for women to pay attention to their bodies and consult a doctor if any of these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks. By being proactive about monitoring their health, women can potentially catch ovarian cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving for women.”
Dr Swati Gaikwad shares a few reasons why annual check-ups are important for women at every stage of life –
- Annual screenings like ultrasound, CT scan, biopsy and PET scan can help detect ovarian cancer and are essential for women of all age groups, as it is a known fact that timely detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
- While ovarian cancer is a common occurrence in older women, it is also seen in the younger population. By incorporating regular screenings annually as suggested by the doctor, women can increase their chances of detecting any abnormalities or symptoms of cancer in the early stages when it is more treatable and improves their quality of life.
- Furthermore, annual checkups serve as a proactive approach to women’s health, empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own health and monitor any changes in their bodies. Ovarian cancer symptoms can often be subtle and easy to overlook, making regular screenings essential to catch any potential problems early. By prioritizing annual checkups, women can ensure they stay informed about their health status and take the necessary steps toward prevention or early intervention when needed.
Dr Swati Gaikwad concludes, “To reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, it is important to eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and stay away from smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Be proactive when it comes to your health, try to get the screenings recommended by the doctor to identify the risk of this deadly cancer and improve the prognosis of this disease by making timely interventions. The need of the hour is for women to be vigilant and take the necessary steps to improve health.”
