Cancer is a potentially deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide and grow in an abnormal way. They can then spread to nearby tissues and organs.
As with any medical condition, the sooner you spot the warning signs of cancer, the sooner you can seek the treatment and support you need. It also means your chances of survival are much higher.
Ovarian cancer is a form of the disease in which it was typically believed that symptoms might not appear until the disease is more advanced. According to the Harvard Medical School, this has earned it the reputation of a “silent killer” disease.
It is among the most common types of cancer experienced by women in the UK. Not only this but it is also one of the most deadly, leading to more than 4,000 deaths every year.
However, there are some telltale signs of ovarian cancer that can appear earlier on.
One such sign will appear while eating.
The Harvard Medical School explains that this symptom is “more likely” to occur in women with ovarian cancer than in women in the general population.
This symptom is difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
Speaking to The Sun, London-based GP Doctor Stephanie Ooi, also warned of this sign. She said: “Some women might notice a loss of appetite or an inability to finish their meals.”
The NHS lists “no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating” as one of the most common signs of the cancer.
But it stipulates that this will occur “frequently”, which is classed as happening 12 or more times a month.
Dr Ooi, of private healthcare service MyHealthcare Clinic, went on to share other symptoms to look for.
“Pain in the back or stomach, or pain during sex, can also be early indicators, while some women will feel more bloated than usual,” she told The Sun.
She also warned of unexplained weight loss as a sign.
“Having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer, but you should speak to a GP if you are concerned,” she added.
Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that more than 7,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year.
More than a quarter of cases of these are diagnosed in women aged 75 and over.
A full list of symptoms from the NHS includes:
- A swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- Pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
- No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- An urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Feeling tired all the time
- Losing weight without trying
- Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause.
If you experience any unexplained symptoms you should speak to your GP.
Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend on how advanced the disease is.
Options include chemotherapy and surgery.