When abnormal cells start to multiply aggressively and affect one or both ovaries, they tend to form a tumor. Often ovarian cancer goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, so it’s imperative to watch out for early signs and symptoms. At times, they are difficult to detect and can be easily dismissed. It’s important to know what’s normal for the body and what’s not. It’s ideal to pay close attention and watch out for the below signs and symptoms.

• Pain in the pelvic area
• Back pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full easily
• Strong urge to urinate
• Pain during sex
• Menstrual changes
• Fatigue
• Heartburn

Many of these symptoms can be associated with other health conditions. These symptoms are common and can be treated with simple treatments. But one key thing to watch out for is the persistence of symptoms. You can treat the symptoms and also make alterations to your lifestyle, for instance, start exercising, change your diet, get adequate sleep. If the symptoms still persist, it’s time to see a doctor.

Risk factors to watch out for ovarian cancer
While the specific cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, there are many risk factors associated with elevating your chances of getting it.

• Family history
  The risk of ovarian cancer increases if two or more close relatives have or had been diagnosed with it. 25% of the cases are part of the family cancer syndrome. Other types of cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal, and uterine, are also associated with ovarian cancer.
• Old age
  Risk of developing this type of cancer increases with age. In most cases, women develop ovarian cancer after menopause.
• Obesity
  Obesity is linked to many diseases, but in this case, women have a higher risk of developing cancer. It also affects the overall lifestyle of overweight women.
• Late or no full-term pregnancy
  Women who have their first child after 35 or women with no single full-term pregnancy are more prone to develop ovarian cancer.
• Fertility treatments
  Treatments like IVF or intake of fertility medicines can increase the risk. It’s ideal to discuss the potential risks with your doctor before opting for these treatments.
• Hormone therapy after menopause
  Women who indulge in hormonal medicine are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who have never used them.
• MUTYH-associated polyposis
  This syndrome in people leads to developing polyps in the small intestine and colon, increasing the risk of colon cancer. And women with colon cancer are more prone to develop ovarian and bladder cancer.