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Rachel V Thomas

World Ovarian Cancer Day: Early Signs Often Mistaken For Digestive Issues, Experts Explain

Many women experience bloating, acidity, stomach discomfort, or constipation from time to time. These symptoms are usually linked to diet, stress, or minor digestive issues. However, these are often overlooked.

On World <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ovarian-cancer">Ovarian Cancer</a> Day, doctors are urging women to pay closer attention to such recurring symptoms and seek timely medical advice.

World <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ovarian-cancer">Ovarian Cancer</a> Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and promote early detection. This year’s theme is “No Woman Left Behind.”

According to global estimates, nearly 250,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and about 140,000 die from the disease.

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers and is often referred to as the “silent killer” because its early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or urinary issues.

It develops when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Survival rates are significantly higher when detected early—around 93 per cent of women diagnosed at stage one survive at least five years, compared to just 13 per cent at stage four, according to the American Cancer Society.

Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited, and outcomes are poorer.

“Ovarian cancer is commonly called a ‘silent disease’ because its early signs are vague and often resemble routine gastric issues,” Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson – Radiation Oncology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe.

<ul><li>Persistent bloating</li><li>Feeling full quickly or reduced appetite</li><li>Pelvic or abdominal discomfort</li><li>Unexplained constipation or diarrhea</li><li>Ongoing indigestion</li><li>Excessive gas</li><li>Abdominal heaviness</li></ul>Dr. Parminder Kaur, Consultant Gynaecologic Oncologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that the key concern is when symptoms become frequent, persistent, and unusual for an individual’s normal health pattern.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/who-says-6-week-hantavirus-incubation-raises-concern-but-no-epidemic-risk-article-154269945" data-type="tilCustomLink">WHO Says 6-Week Hantavirus Incubation Raises Concern, But No Epidemic Risk</a>

One should not ignore these symptoms if they persist for more than two to three weeks.

“Many women delay seeking medical attention because these symptoms feel too common to be serious. Early evaluation through clinical examination, imaging, and blood tests can help detect the disease earlier,” Dr Kaur noted.

“The growing tumor can press on nearby organs such as the intestines or bladder, leading to digestive changes and abdominal discomfort,” she explained.

The experts also highlighted several risk factors that are often overlooked, including:

<ul><li>Family history of ovarian or <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">breast cancer</a></li><li>BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations</li><li>Increasing age, especially after menopause</li><li>Reproductive history, such as late pregnancy or never having children</li></ul>

Being aware of subtle and persistent symptoms can significantly improve outcomes. Ovarian cancer survival rates are much higher when diagnosed early, making timely medical consultation crucial.

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Many women experience bloating, acidity, stomach discomfort, or constipation from time to time. These symptoms are usually linked to diet, stress, or minor digestive issues. However, these are often overlooked.On World Ovarian Cancer Day, doctors are urging women to pay closer attention to such recurring symptoms and seek timely medical advice. World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and promote early detection. This year’s theme is “No Woman Left Behind.”According to global estimates, nearly 250,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and about 140,000 die from the disease.What Is Ovarian Cancer?Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers and is often referred to as the “silent killer” because its early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or urinary issues.It develops when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Survival rates are significantly higher when detected early—around 93 per cent of women diagnosed at stage one survive at least five years, compared to just 13 per cent at stage four, according to the American Cancer Society.Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited, and outcomes are poorer.Early Symptoms Often Overlooked“Ovarian cancer is commonly called a ‘silent disease’ because its early signs are vague and often resemble routine gastric issues,” Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson – Radiation Oncology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe.Common symptoms include:Persistent bloatingFeeling full quickly or reduced appetitePelvic or abdominal discomfortUnexplained constipation or diarrheaOngoing indigestionExcessive gasAbdominal heavinessDr. Parminder Kaur, Consultant Gynaecologic Oncologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that the key concern is when symptoms become frequent, persistent, and unusual for an individual’s normal health pattern.Also read: WHO Says 6-Week Hantavirus Incubation Raises Concern, But No Epidemic RiskOne should not ignore these symptoms if they persist for more than two to three weeks.“Many women delay seeking medical attention because these symptoms feel too common to be serious. Early evaluation through clinical examination, imaging, and blood tests can help detect the disease earlier,” Dr Kaur noted.“The growing tumor can press on nearby organs such as the intestines or bladder, leading to digestive changes and abdominal discomfort,” she explained.Risk Factors to Be Aware OfThe experts also highlighted several risk factors that are often overlooked, including:Family history of ovarian or breast cancerBRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutationsIncreasing age, especially after menopauseReproductive history, such as late pregnancy or never having childrenWhy Early Detection MattersBeing aware of subtle and persistent symptoms can significantly improve outcomes. Ovarian cancer survival rates are much higher when diagnosed early, making timely medical consultation crucial.

early ovarian cancer signs often mistaken for digestive issues, experts warn

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World Ovarian Cancer Day: Early Signs Often Mistaken For Digestive Issues, Experts Explain

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