 How to be Cautious against Ovarian Cancer |
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 Author : Dr Rupinder Sekhon Sr. Consultant, Gynae Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCI) |
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Bloating in the abdomen, feeling full quickly, discomfort in the pelvic area or lower abdomen, abnormal menstrual cycles, gas and constipation are symptoms which any woman could ignore as something trivial. They may also be, but what most women do not know is that having these body changes continuously over a period of time could be indicative of something as serious as ovarian cancer.
Rarely detected in early stages, ovarian cancer is usually quite advanced when diagnosed. The reason - lack of awareness in patients and inattentiveness on the part of the doctor to the early indicators of the disease. This makes it not only difficult to treat but also potentially fatal.
The vagueness of the symptoms for this type of cancer had brought it the notorious distinction of being termed as a ‘silent killer’. It is one of the most common cancers among women and due to its detection in later stages in most cases, it also leads to fatalities. When knowledge can put an end to all fears, awareness about such a disease can actually empower women to overcome it courageously and be free from the dreaded illness.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries – the two female reproductive organs, one on each side of the uterus, that produce eggs. Each nearly the size of an almond, the ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both the ovaries, ovarian cancer happens and it can spread to other parts of the body.
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