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What Is Ovarian Cancer?
There is hardly a word more loathed than cancer. Not only does it have no known cure, but it claims the lives of millions of Americans every year. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, all get called away with so much life left to live. Cancer only leaves devastation in its wake.
In the US itself, one in two women and one in three men will suffer from cancer during their lifetime. It is a horrific fact of life, but that is the reality of the world we live in. for women specifically, one of the worst forms cancer can take is that of ovarian cancer. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at it, symptoms of ovarian cancer, and ways you can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is not one thing but a group of diseases that originate in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In most cases, when a woman develops ovarian cancer, it is not a very dire case. However, if not treated early on, it can be dangerous.
Preventing ovarian cancer begins by recognizing the symptoms and going to a doctor. Some of the most common early symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding with ovarian cancer
- Pain or pressure in your pelvic region
- Pain in your back and abdominal areas.
- Bloating
- Reproductive problem.
- Unable to eat too much
- Feeling full too quickly.
- A sudden change in your bathroom habits
You are the master of your body, and you should know what is normal for your body and what is not. In case you experience severe bleeding that is not normal for you, see a doctor right away. Do the same if you experience any of the abovementioned ovarian cancer signs for more than two weeks. There is always a chance that they are caused by something other than cancer, but only a doctor can tell you for sure.
How to Prevent Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is still cancer; there are really are no known ways to prevent it. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. These are:
- Using birth control pills for five or more years
- Getting your tubes tied and having your ovaries or your uterus removed
- Giving birth to children
- Breastfeeding for a year or more reduces the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
Of course, this is a very generalized list and not meant to be exhaustive at all. The things on this list might not work for everyone, and that is okay because there are different risks and benefits for every single action. As such, we strongly recommend that you work with your doctor and figure out what it is that will work for you best.
However, for the sake of ovarian cancer awareness, you should tell those around you about these methods. Even if it does not work for you, it might work for them.
Keep on Fighting
As you can see, there are no easy preventions of ovarian cancer. All it does is make life a stressful and difficult affair for everyone who goes through it, as well as their immediate circle of friends and family. However, the key thing is to not give up hope. Remember that you have much left to live for, and so you must keep fighting.
The silver lining, though, is that ovarian cancer is treatable if detected early, so if you have any symptoms that alert you, go to your doctor immediately. Treat every risk with the seriousness it deserves, and you will end up saving your life. Your life does not come cheap, and you need to do everything in your power to preserve it. If you or a loved one needs palliative care for ovarian cancer, reach out to us today.
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