Sadly 11 people die every day from the disease, adding up to around 4,100 ovarian cancer deaths in the UK each year but knowing the most common symptoms and risk factors can help
Around 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s 21 every day, according to the charity Cancer Research UK. Sadly 11 people die every day from the disease, adding up to around 4,100 ovarian cancer deaths in the UK each year.
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cancer in females in the UK accounting for 4% of all new cancer cases. However rates of Ovarian cancer are projected to rise by 5% by 2040 with as many as 9,400 new cases of ovarian cancer every year in the UK by then. Unfortunately the most common symptoms of the disease mimic less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infections or periods. While the symptoms are commonplace it can be helpful to understand the risk factors so you know when to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis is important, with nearly 94% of patients live longer than five years when they receive an early diagnosis. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Being age 60 or older
- A family history breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Having children later in life or never having a full-term pregnancy
- Taking hormone therapy after menopause
If these risk factors apply to you and you have had the following symptoms for more than two weeks it is time to speak to a doctor, MedStar Health reports. The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- A feeling of fullness
- Trouble with or frequent urination
There are also more unusual symptoms, which may give and indication that something is not right internally, these include:
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Gas and indigestion
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reflux symptoms, including chest pain or heartburn
Knowing common risk factors and symptoms are a good way to tell if something is not right, but also being in tune with your body is a great way to tell if something is off. If your body doesn’t feel right it is best to seek advice. If you speak to your doctor and they decide to refer you for testing it is possible the next step will include a chat with an expert at the hospital and some tests. These could include a pelvic ultrasound to check your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus for cysts or an abnormal tissue mass. Even if something is picked up, these cysts and tumours can often be benign.
