Suara.com – Ovarian cancer is often dubbed the ‘silent killer’ due to the lack of obvious symptoms and sometimes it goes unnoticed until it is at an advanced stage.
If a woman is diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer, she has a 90% chance of surviving five years or more.
Although the signs of ovarian cancer may seem vague, there are some symptoms that are quite visible and very important to know, report The Sun.
Consultant gynecological oncology surgeon at The Royal Marsden, England, John Butler, describes the four most common symptoms of ovarian cancer, namely:
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- Swollen or bloated stomach
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite or feeling full faster
- The need to urinate more often
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Losing weight without trying
Butler says these symptoms are common and don’t usually indicate a problem.
However, if it persists for several weeks or the condition improves, then it is important to get checked out.
![Illustration of ovarian cancer [Foto: Antara]](https://media.suara.com/pictures/653x366/2021/05/30/68032-ilustrasi-kanker-ovarium.jpg)
PMS or ovarian cancer?
It is difficult to distinguish between the two because the symptoms are very similar.
“PMS is characterized by physical and psychological symptoms that occur before menstruation, then resolve. Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not related to the menstrual cycle and usually get worse over time,” he added.
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If symptoms appear and disappear along with your menstrual period, it may not be a sign of ovarian cancer.
When should you go to the doctor?
It is very important to be aware of and understand our own body so that we can see any changes that occur.
Butler says if you have severe symptoms, get yourself checked out immediately.
“For more subtle symptoms, it’s a good idea to get yourself checked if it hasn’t healed in six weeks,” he said.