Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on 8th May and aims to raise awareness about this type of cancer which is a significant health concern for women. Early diagnosis is essential to cure this deadly disease and for that to happen women need to know about this disease, its symptoms, treatment and much more. In order to raise awareness and highlight how important early detection of the disease is, the day aims to save lives and improve the quality of life of women affected by ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Day 2023: Early signs to watch out for
Dr. Neha Kumar, Senior Consultant, Department, Gynecological Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad shared, “Early stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms and hence is difficult to detect. For this reason, in most cases Ovarian cancer is detected at an advanced stage. Stage.” However, here are some frequent symptoms that doctors say women should watch for.
- unexplained discomfort or pain in the stomach (abdomen)
- indigestion that doesn’t go away
- abdominal bloating
- early satiety, which is the sensation of feeling full after consuming a small amount of food (this is, in fact, a very common symptom)
- Changes in bladder habits (increased frequency of urination, urgency, feeling of incomplete evacuation)
- Change in bowel habits (constipation, feeling of incomplete evacuation)
- Experiencing the sensation of a lump in the abdominal area
- abdominal distension or fullness
Dr. Neha Kumar says that some cases may show less common symptoms such as:
- back pain
- Tiredness
- Changes in the menstrual cycle with irregular bleeding or heavier bleeding than usual, or bleeding after menopause
- weight loss
Ovarian Cancer Day: Routine screening is needed for early detection
For early detection and effective management of ovarian cancer, it is important to go for regular check-ups. As Dr. Kumar says, it is most difficult to tell the symptoms of ovarian cancer in its early stages. Hence regular gynecological check-ups are important to ensure that ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. You should also schedule a pelvic exam with your doctor, especially for women who are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer.
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Ovarian Cancer Day: History and Theme
The first World Ovarian Cancer Day in 2013 was initiated by Target Ovarian Cancer, the world’s largest cancer charity, founded in 2008. It aims to support women undergoing treatment and fund life-saving research. World Ovarian Cancer Day is now celebrated in over 32 countries. This year the theme of the day is “No Woman Left Behind”.