The female reproductive system has two ovaries; one on either side of the uterus. These almond-sized glands produce ova, i.e., unfertilized eggs, and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The malignant and abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries interferes with its normal functioning.
Ovarian cancer can’t be detected until the tumor has spread within the pelvis and the abdomen. This condition is, therefore, also infamously known as a silent killer. Knowing the early signs and causes of ovarian cancer can help women take precautionary actions and get timely diagnosis to prevent the development of the disease.
Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer most often onsets in the epithelium, i.e., the outer lining of the ovaries. While the most early signs can include conditions like premenstrual syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome, the common signs of this disease are
- Constant pain and pressure in the pelvis
- Pain in the lower back or the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full just after starting to eat
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding
- Frequent urination
- An urgent need to pee but producing little urine
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Menstrual irregularities
- Painful intercourse
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Inflamed and weakened muscles
Speaking on the lines of the early signs and trigger causes of ovarian cancer, most of these symptoms don’t necessarily signal ovarian cancer. They can be the result of other health issues that are not so serious as cancer. Most of these symptoms improve with simple medication and basic treatments.
However, if these symptoms persist for longer periods, it can be due to ovarian cancer. The symptoms become severe as the tumor grows. Hence, it’s best to visit your doctor to detect the condition early and take preventive measures.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
It’s not clear what causes ovarian cancer, and experts are still researching to find out the exact causes. However, the early signs and trigger causes of ovarian cancer include risk factors like
- Obesity
A major risk factor for developing ovarian cancer is obesity. Women with a body mass index of over 30 tend to develop the condition, though not the aggressive types of ovarian cancer. - Family History
If you have a close relative or a family member with a history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, you stand a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. - Age
The risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer increases with age. It’s very common in women below the age of 40. Ovarian cancer mostly develops after menopause, and in women over 50 or 60 years of age. - Breast Cancer
Breast cancer patients, or even those with a family history, have higher chances of developing ovarian cancer. This can be due to changes in the BRCA gene. - Post-menopausal Hormone Therapy
This is a prime cause of developing the disease among the early signs and trigger causes of ovarian cancer. Using estrogens after menopause in large doses increases the chances of catching ovarian cancer.