Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors: Ovarian cancer is considered the third most common cancer. Worryingly, most women are diagnosed with it only when the disease is already advanced.

How to recognize ovarian cancer in women?

Early Warning Signs Of Ovarian Cancer In Women: Ovarian cancer is considered the third most common cancer among women in India. Worryingly, most women are diagnosed with it only when the disease is already quite advanced. According to experts, approximately 70 to 80 percent of ovarian cancer cases in India are diagnosed in the advanced stage. This is primarily due not only to the disease not being detected early, but also because its early symptoms are so common that they are often overlooked, mistaken for some other problem.

Are its symptoms not known in advance?

Oncologists have long called ovarian cancer a silent disease, but Dr. Sampada Desai told TOI that the disease isn't completely silent. According to her, ovarian cancer is certainly a silent cancer, but it's less indicative. Its symptoms are often very general and resemble digestive problems. Sampada Desai explains that early signs include feeling full, persistent bloating, discomfort in the upper abdomen, and digestive problems. The problem is that women often dismiss these symptoms as gas, hormonal changes, or other common problems.

Which problems should not be ignored?

According to Dr. Shona Nag, persistent bloating is one of the most common signs. Many patients report feeling overly full even after eating small amounts of food. If this is accompanied by persistent or recurring pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, it should not be ignored. Furthermore, unusual changes in periods, excessive or scanty bleeding, irregular periods, or any bleeding after menopause can be serious signs. According to Dr. Shona, hormonal changes are common, but persistent irregularities warrant medical attention. Similarly, foul-smelling, bloody, or abnormal vaginal discharge after menopause can also be a warning sign.

What things should be kept in mind?

According to experts, if any symptoms persist for more than two weeks or occur more than 12 days a month, a gynecological oncologist should be consulted immediately. Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer need to be especially vigilant. In such cases, the genetic risk is higher. Because there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer like there is for cervical or breast cancer, awareness is the key tool.