Doctor reveals change in bathroom habits that could be signs of ‘silent killer’ cancer
A doctor has detailed the four symptoms to look out for that could be a sign you may have ovarian cancer.
Such variation of the disease is one of the most common in the US, so it's important to know the symptoms.
Mayo Clinic states symptoms of ovarian cancer may not be noticeable once the disease first develops, though there are some initial signs to look out for.
It's estimated that more than 20,000 Americans will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, while more than 12,000 will die from the disease.
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Risk factors include a family history of ovarian cancer, older age, being overweight or obese, endometriosis, getting your period before the age of 12, going through the menopause after the age of 52, and never having been pregnant.
Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, a gynecologic oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, has detailed for Today four key symptoms to look out for.
Bowel habit changes
You may not think twice about the fact you're going for a number two in the morning instead of your regular evening slot, but such could be a sign something isn't quite right.
The more important thing to look out for however is constipation or diarrhea, as small tumors on the surface of the bowel can lead to such functional changes.
Bloating
The sense of bloating is certainly not a nice one, but if it's happening regularly, especially when you haven't eaten much, it could be the sign of a more serious problem.
"People that come in with a new diagnosis say, ‘I thought I was just gaining weight because I was eating more,’ or ‘It didn't make sense as far as why I was gaining this weight," Bakkum-Gamez told Today.
"Usually, their abdomen is looking more along the lines of what you would look like if you were pregnant."
Feeling full quickly
While often time it won't be cause for concern, Bakkum-Gamez warns that in rare cases this may be happening because a tumor or fluid buildup in the abdomen can limit how much food can be held in the stomach.
"If you're hungry and you eat a small amount of food, and you feel full pretty fast … that should prompt someone to be evaluated," Bakkum-Gamez added.
Frequent urination
Regularly heading to the toilet to empty the bladder? Well, it could be a sign of a health condition, including cancer.
Bakkum-Gamez notes that if there is a large mass taking up space in the pelvis, i.e a tumor, then the bladder is unable to fill up to its normal level, meaning more frequent urination.
Of course, there may be a reasonable explanation, but it's always best to be on the safe side and get checked out.
"It's not uncommon that those individuals have to get up to go once, twice, sometimes three or four times at night to go urinate," Bakkum-Gamez added.
Callum Jones