Ovarian cancer is a complex condition that can affect women of all ages, but predominantly in women over 50. What makes this disease a cause of panic to some people is its somber nickname being “the silent killer.”

Some women may feel subtle symptoms that they can ignore because it might just be because of a less serious health condition. So the cancer can progress undetected.

Let’s help women like you understand what you should look out for when you experience similar symptoms of ovarian cancer.

What You Should Know About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer happens when there is a malignant cell growth affecting parts of the ovaries.

They can classified by the type of cell from which the cancer originates.

1. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type. It develops in the cells lining the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
2. Germ cell ovarian cancer develops in the germ (egg) cells of the ovary. Most tumours of this kind are not malignant.
3. Stromal ovarian cancer develops in the structural connective tissue cells of the ovaries that produce oestrogen and progesterone.
   
   

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women and occurs in post-menopausal women over 50. Still, it can affect younger women.

Why It’s Called the “Silent Killer”

The term silent killer is not a dramatic expression but a medical reality telling people that ovarian cancer is dangerous when not detected early.

Unlike other cancers that have warning signs, ovarian cancer has a reputation for developing without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

Aside from the unnoticeable symptoms in the early phases, the ovaries can also harbour developing cancer cells without causing changes in a woman’s body. The initial symptoms of ovarian cancer are non-specific. They mimic common and less serious conditions such as:

• Digestive concerns
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Occasional bloating
• Slight changes in eating habits
  
  

These symptoms are so ordinary that most women would just dismiss them because they wouldn’t think that these are warning signs of ovarian cancer. Like, an individual may say that the bloating is due to her diet, or her changing appetite is because of daily stress from work.

The time symptoms become obvious

As the cancer progresses, symptoms become more noticeable. But by this point, the malignancy may have already advanced or spread to nearby organs, making it more difficult to treat.

Late detection is precisely why ovarian cancer has earned its grim nickname.

Detection & awareness

The period between the subtle signs and the time when the symptoms have become more noticeable is a very critical window. This is the timeframe when detection is most crucial–when it makes a world of difference in ovarian cancer treatment outcomes and ovarian cancer survival rate.

The silent nature of ovarian cancer is not meant to spark fear, but to foster awareness. Get checked regularly and pay attention to your body. Anything out of ordinary, no matter how minor they might seem, deserves the evaluation of a medical professional.

Common Early Warning Signs

The following symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions, but they can be a helpful guide for you in case you feel them.

Persistent Abdominal Discomfort or Pressure

Many women experience a constant and unexplained feeling of pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen. This is not a sharp pain but a persistent sensation that:

• Feels like a constant mild pressure
• Occurs in the pelvic or abdominal area
• Doesn’t seem to be related to specific activities or diet
• Remains consistent over several weeks

Abdominal Bloating and Swelling

In the context of ovarian cancer, bloating is any of the following:

1. Persistent and not tied to menstrual cycles
2. Causes noticeable swelling in the abdomen
3. May be accompanied by a feeling of fullness
4. Doesn’t improve with typical remedies like changes to diet or exercise

Changes in Eating Habits

It can be feeling full very quickly when you’re eating, you experience a sudden loss of appetite, having difficulty eating normal portion sizes, or unexplained weight loss. Any changes like this to your eating habits can be a sign of ovarian cancer.

Unexplained Fatigue

You also feel an unexplained fatigue or extreme tiredness. This is different from the usual tiredness. It can be described as follows:

1. Persistent and overwhelming exhaustion
2. Not relieved by rest or sleep
3. Interferes with daily activities
4. Seems to have no clear cause

Digestive Concerns

There are also changes in digestive patterns that can indicate the presence of the malignancy.

1. Indigestion
2. Unexpected gas
3. Constipation (or diarrhoea)
4. Digestive issues that do not go away with usual treatments

Urinary Symptoms

1. Increased frequency of urination
2. Sudden urgency to urinate
3. Discomfort during urination
4. Changes that are not related to infection or hydration

When to Seek Medical Attention

Here are the red flags so you know when you need a consultation with your doctor. Again, not every symptom indicates that you have cancer. But you should take these experienced symptoms seriously as they may contribute to a more serious health condition.

1. Symptoms that continue for two weeks or longer
2. Multiple symptoms occuring simultaneously
3. Symptoms that progressively worsen
4. Changes that interfere with your daily life and activities
5. Persistent bloating and difficulty eating
6. Abdominal pressure accompanied by frequent urination
7. Unexplained weight loss with digestive irregularities
8. Constant fatigue with pelvic discomfort

What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation

To prepare for the appointment, you may want to document all symptoms. Do not rely entirely on your memory. Jot the following down as they happen:

• When did the symptoms start?
• Frequency of symptoms
• Their severity
• And if you have identified any potential triggers

You can also list relevant family medical history and current medications of yours. If you have just made changes to your lifestyle, this is also noteworthy.

Procedures for Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

A gynae clinic in Singapore may recommend the following ovarian cancer diagnostic procedures when screening if you have ovarian cancer.

• Comprehensive physical examination
• Pelvic examination
• Ultrasound scan
• Blood tests including CA-125 test)
• Additional imaging like CT or MRI scans

Risk-Based Consultation Recommendations

For women under 40	For women 40-50	For women over 50
Annual gynaecological check-ups Immediate consultation if experiencing unusual symptoms Discuss family history of cancer	Bi-annual gynaecological screenings More comprehensive reproductive health assessments Genetic risk evaluation if family history suggests potential	Annual comprehensive gynaecological examinations More frequent screenings Detailed discussion of menopausal and post-menopausal health risks

Conclusion

Always keep in mind that your healthcare provider is your best resource for accurate assessment of your health condition. Meaning, we discourage everyone to self-diagnose as this endangers your general well-being.

Trust your body. If you feel that there’s wrong, there is definitely. Immediately seek the insights of a medical expert. Your health and peace of mind should be your top priority.