HEALTH: Two Important Ovarian Cancer Symptoms That You Shouldn't Ignore

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed last year, and more than 14,000 women died from the disease. It's also the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women.

But how common is it to develop ovarian cancer at such a young age? "The majority of women who develop it are older, but yes we do see it in young women".

Genetics can play a role, which is why it's important to pay attention to your family history. Specifically, women who carry the mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with breast cancer are at a higher risk. However, they only make up about 20% of all ovarian cancer cases.

The major symptoms of ovarian cancer are fairly nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose. While there are several signs of the disease, two in particular have been found to be important: 

1.Persistent abdominal bloating

2. Urinating more than usual. 

Although these symptoms are really vague but the degree to which a woman experiences them is important.

If you're waking up every day and feeling a lot of abdominal pressure and bloating, and urinating frequently, that's something you pay attention to. It may be nothing but the majority of women with ovarian cancer reported having those symptoms.

Early detection is key. The survival of a woman with an ovarian cancer confined to the ovary (stage 1) is greater than 90 percent, whereas once it has spread to the abdominal cavity (stage 3), the survival is less than 40 percent.

Unfortunately, there are no simple tests for ovarian cancer, which is why it's often detected in later stages. It's not detected through a Pap smear (which detects cervical pre-cancer and cancer), but there is a blood test called "CA125" which has a very high false negative rate.

It's possible to lower your risk of ovarian cancer, and the biggest way to do so is by using hormonal birth control. There is data to suggest that using birth control pills can significantly decrease the likelihood that a woman will develop ovarian cancer. Women who have been on them for five years have decreased odds by 50%.

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight is also important, because, in addition to keeping you healthy, may make you more likely to notice abdominal bloating earlier than someone who is overweight.

Above all else, listen to your body. If you're experiencing constant abdominal pressure & urinating more than usual, see your doctor. And if your doctor brushes you off, get a second opinion. 

#MyWord: Ovarian cancer can strike young women. Don't panic if you're having bloating & urinary symptoms, but don't ignore it either.