Ovarian cancer is a condition with slow evolution, even asymptomatic at the beginning, which allows it to evolve without being detected.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer appear or become visible only in the late stages of the disease, when the cancer is already extensive.
Generally, ovarian cancer is diagnosed about a year after its onset, and the symptoms that appear in the late stages are mainly determined by the compressive effect that the tumor begins to have on the surrounding structures.
These include:
Lumbar, abdominal or abdomino-pelvic pain;
Gastrointestinal symptoms: belching (belching), indigestion, nausea, changes in intestinal transit, constipation or diarrhea.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause;
The occurrence of unusual and irregular vaginal discharge or bleeding;
Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse);
Enlargement of the abdomen and even palpation of a tumor formation at this level;
Asthenia;
Urinary disorders: impending urination, burning when urinating;
Weight loss;
Dyspnea (difficulty breathing).
What can I do to reduce the risk of cancer?
The importance of screening programs in reducing the risk of cancer
Cancer is a serious, potentially lethal condition that tends to be second only to cardiovascular disease in frequency.
What could we do to reduce the risk of cancer or, ideally, prevent it?
Experience and studies have shown that for certain types of cancer there are methods that can detect the disease in time (at an early stage) and can ensure healing with minimal medical intervention – these are the screening programs (early detection).
In addition to these, there are certain lifestyle measures that have been shown to reduce the risk of disease – including cancer.
Measures related to:
Physical exercise – minimum 150 min/week light-medium effort Avoidance of smoking (most patients with lung cancer are smokers) and alcohol consumption (minimal benefits related to alcohol consumption and supposed cardiovascular protection) Maintaining a normal weight (BMI – Body mass index between 25-30) A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fibers, natural antioxidants, vitamins; use of extra virgin olive oil, consumption of ocean fish, salads, low-fat cheeses Avoidance of E-rich, refined, preserved foods; avoiding sausages; tempering the weight in the diet of sweets rich in calories and carbohydrates, but poor in nutrients, in favor of fruits Avoiding foods fried in oil and smoked foods; Healthy methods of cooking – steamed, roasted, baked, roasted (without oil) Choosing foods in their natural form (short shelf life; whole-grain form rich in fiber – bread, rice, whole-grain pasta; freshly prepared); the preference for organically grown foods, in the region where we live and during their normal growth period Vitamin D3 supplementation (recent studies correlate increased risk for certain cancers and vitamin D3 deficiency; can be measured with a simple blood test) Maintaining a balanced rhythm work-sleep (minimum 7 hours/night) Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun (ultraviolet) and use of sunscreen Annual medical check-up and set of blood tests after the age of 30 Time allocated for self and loved ones and for socializing without electronic devices.
Screening programs have proven benefits in the following conditions:
Breast cancer: Annual mammography is recommended after 40-45 years; before 40 years, breast ultrasound is recommended; the frequency and age of onset will be adapted according to the risk factors and family history Cervical cancer: Gynecological consultation and annual Babeș Pap test are recommended, after the start of sexual life Prostate cancer: Urological consultation, rectal examination and PSA (antigen specifically prostatic) after the age of 40.
Any situation that presents alarm signals (weight loss, unexplained persistent fever, abnormal secretions, blood loss, wounds that are difficult to heal, moles that change in shape/color/size, unexplained physical asthenia, night sweats, lack of appetite of food, transit disorders diarrhea/constipation) – urgently requires a medical consultation and a rigorous evaluation of the state of health.
We all want to be healthy and happy! Don’t delay your visit to the doctor, make an appointment today. Don’t postpone what’s most important… health and life!
Informative material created by Dr. Dana Popescu, obstetrics-gynecology primary physician, with skills in ultrasound and colposcopy, employed in the Obstetrics-Gynecology Department of the Târgu-Jiu County Emergency Hospital
2023-07-19 12:53:46
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