Ovarian cancer symptoms
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer related to the ovaries. It currently accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers in women. Ovaries are comprised of three types of cells, each of them being able to differentiate into a type of cancer. These three types are epithelial, germ, and stromal cells. The most common type of ovarian cancer is derived from the epithelial cells. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from all types of cancer that are related to the female reproductive system. Moreover, it is estimated that approximately 55% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die in the first 5 years of diagnosis. However, if the tumor is diagnosed before the age of 65, this percentage decreases.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms are not always present from day one. More importantly, most patients who suffer from ovarian cancer do not develop any kind of symptoms in the early stages. Unfortunately, due to this asymptomatic onset, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at a later stage, meaning it has already caused significant damage to the surrounding tissues. In rare cases, ovarian cancer is only diagnosed when it has already metastasized.
When symptoms do appear, they vary from patient to patient. The majority of ovarian cancer symptoms are nonspecific, meaning that they could appear in other conditions as well. Having any of the symptoms does not mean that cancer is present. Due to the lack of routine tests for ovarian cancer, it is recommended that women with a family history of ovarian cancer should perform regular doctor visits and even genetic testing in order to assess the risk of ovarian cancer onset.
Symptoms associated with ovarian cancer most often include:
- Abdominal pain and indigestion
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Frequent urination
- Lethargy
All of these symptoms are caused by the proliferation of cancerous cells and the location of the tumor. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common, followed by urinary system symptoms. The persistence of any of the above symptoms for more than 2 weeks raises concerns and should direct the patient to a doctor.
Preventing Ovarian Cancer
Research results from the past years has shown that there are certain ways through which women can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, or even prevent the onset completely. Birth control pills, multiple pregnancies, breastfeeding, and surgery are all considered preventive measures.
Birth control pills have been shown to vastly decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who have been taking birth control pills for over 3 years show a decrease in risk of over 50%. According to several studies, this protection can continue for approximately 30 years after the pills have been stopped.
Similar, and more effective than birth control pills, are dietary supplements containing powerful antioxidants. For the past 20 years, researchers from Zagreb have been improving their product, Megamin Activ. The product contains very powerful antioxidants, which not only fight against free radicals and other toxins within the body, but also improve the patient’s own immune system. Using Megamin Activ on a regular basis reduces the overall quantity of free radicals, thus protecting the cells and tissues of the ovaries from uncontrolled proliferation.