Ovarian​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Cancer Probable Causes & Main Symptoms

Ovarian cancer is a dangerous disease that occurs when some abnormal cells in the ovaries refuse to die, keep growing, and form tumours. Because symptoms might be very limited or not show up at all until the disease reaches an advanced stage, it is often referred to as a "silent killer".

Women must understand the possible causes and main symptoms of ovarian cancer so that they can go to a doctor on time, and thus increase their chances of a successful treatment.

Probable Causes of Ovarian Cancer

There might not be a single reason why a woman develops ovarian cancer - it's usually a mix of factors. Firstly, age plays a very important role if you are a woman over 50, especially after menopause. Another big risk factor is the presence of genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which may lead to a very high risk of ovarian cancer development.

If your family has a history of certain cancers, like ovarian, breast, and colorectal, then you have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer too, as there might be some inherited genes involved. Those women whose menstrual cycles started early, who had a late menopause, or never went through a pregnancy, are more likely to be affected. Moreover, some women who have been using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a very long time might also face an increased risk.

Family History & Genetics

An important aspect to think about is whether someone close to you has had ovarian or breast cancer; then you are in a group with a greatly increased risk factor because such disorders often run in families. When a woman carries inherited mutations in the genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, it means that her lifetime chance of getting ovarian cancer is several times higher than that of the average person. Genetic advice and tests can be of immense help in finding out whether there is such a risk in the family and taking preventive measures.

Reproductive & Hormonal Factors

Without doubt, women who are childless or those who are encountering problems when trying to conceive are slightly more exposed to the risk of ovarian cancer. Throughout a woman's life, the changes in hormones influence ovarian cell growth, and when the body is under the effects of estrogen for a very long time without progesterone to counterbalance it, the risk goes up.

The fact that a girl started menstruation at a young age and a woman experienced menopause late means that the exposure to estrogen was higher, and thus can lead to the occurrence of abnormal ovarian cell growth.

Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

Some lifestyle factors could be considered as some kind of indirect factors of ovarian cancer. The relationship between a diet packed with saturated fats, being overweight, smoking, and exposure to harmful chemicals, with a higher risk of ovarian cancer has been reported, but it seems that the strength of the associations is far from that of genetic or hormonal factors. Keeping your weight on a healthy level and staying away from smoking will significantly reduce your overall risk of cancer.

Main Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often so subtle that people associate them with a stomach upset or a period. However, one should seek advice when symptoms keep coming back, worsening during the break, or are getting more severe. One of the hallmark signs of the disease is persistent stomach bloating or even swelling. A lady's lower abdomen or pelvic area may be painful as well, and the pain may be very persistent. Another classic symptom is that the affected lady feels full very quickly after eating or even faces real problems with feeding herself regular food portions.

Frequent urination, or the feeling that there is an urgent need to urinate, are symptoms that can be considered as early signs of ovarian cancer, besides changes in bathroom habits. Some people experience constipation, bloating, and other digestive discomfort as well as an unexplained change in their bowel habits. Patients can also experience tiredness, backache, and one of the mysterious symptoms could be a weight increase or decrease that is quite sudden and without an obvious reason. Irregular periods and vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women or whenever it is unusual should prompt a medical evaluation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

As ovarian cancer symptoms are similar to many other common illnesses, a lot of women tend to put off going to see a doctor. Having said that, if the symptoms are there more than a dozen times in a month or for weeks non-stop, then you really need to see a health professional. With the help of gynaecological exams, ultrasounds, and several other investigations, the diagnosis can be made on time.

Conclusion

Because ovarian cancer is almost always asymptomatic in the earliest phase, it is very crucial to be aware of the probable causes and main symptoms of the disease. Women can manage their health better if they know the influence of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. When a lady experiences some key symptoms that include continuous abdominal swelling, pain in her pelvis, changes in her appetite, or urination problems, this can be moved to a doctor for diagnosis. It is often the case that when ovarian cancer is detected at an early stage, the treatment is more effective and the chances of a cure are higher. Thus, one gets literally empowered to lead a healthy and happy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌life.