The month of September brings awareness to Ovarian Cancer,
one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Approximately 14,000 women will die
in the United States from the disease every year. Ovarian Cancer ranks fifth in
cancer deaths among women and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer
that affects the female productive system.
Ovarian Cancer usually occurs in women who are in their
fifties and older, with the median age of being 63. While not always the case,
many women who are diagnosed with this disease have a genetic history of
carrying the BRCA mutation gene or a strong family history of ovarian cancer.
Other factors that can increase your chances of developing
cancer include; being overweight or obese, having children after 35 or not at
all, using fertility treatment, taking hormone therapy after menopause, or
having previously had breast cancer.
This cancer is hard to diagnose and can be confused with
other ailments. This is because the symptoms are subtle and can be seen as other
medical conditions or issues. These symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Menstrual changes