Cervical, vulvar, vaginal, ovarian, and uterine are the five types of gynecological cancer, and among these, ovarian cancer is the second most dominant type in the country. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, and approximately 21,000 women in the country in the develop this type of cancer every year.

Who should be more aware of ovarian cancer symptoms?
Since the symptoms of ovarian cancer might not be obvious until the cancer advances, knowing whether one is at risk of developing the condition can help. Women in the following risk areas should watch out for the early warning signs:

• Elderly women
• Women with a family history of ovarian cancer
• Women having certain other types of cancer, like breast cancer
• Women with endometriosis
• Women facing issues in conceiving
• Women of Eastern-European background

These factors can increase one’s risk of developing ovarian cancer, but all women with these risks are not affected by this disease. It’s advisable watch out for the symptoms of ovarian cancer and go for regular checkups.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer causes several symptoms that require immediate medical intervention, so women should consult a medical practitioner if they notice one or more of the signs listed below. The chances of recovery increase in cases with early diagnosis, so one should keep an eye out for any sudden changes in their bodies and report them to a gynecologist immediately:

• Vaginal bleeding:  If one notices bleeding that occurs particularly after menopause, it can indicate ovarian cancer.
• Vaginal discharge : Abnormal discharge from the vagina is what women need to keep an eye on as it can be a potential sign of ovarian cancer.
• Pelvic pain : Any sudden or irregular pain or discomfort felt between the stomach and hip area should be examined.
• Lower back pain : Incessant back pain is also considered as one of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
• Changes in appetite:  If one is facing issues with eating normally or is feeling full after consuming very little food, that can also be a sign of this condition.
• Bloating : The stomach swells up due to trapped air or other issues due to muscle disturbance, and this is a common sign of ovarian cancer.
• Changes in bathroom habits : An increase in the urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, or constipation can be subtle signs of ovarian cancer.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include fatigue, pain during sexual actuvuty, changes in the menstrual cycle, and unintended weight loss.

The vagueness of these symptoms can make it difficult to figure out when one should approach a healthcare practitioner, but one must consult a doctor for further examination if the symptoms don’t go away after taking prescribed medications. Further examination may involve anything from a pelvic exam to blood tests for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and a gynecologic oncologist then suggests a treatment method accordingly.