Ovarian cancer typically happens to women who are over 50. Its cause is unknown and this type of cancer is difficult for early detection.
The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your recovery chances. Often times, women with ovarian cancer have mild or no symptoms until the cancer reaches an advanced stage, when its hard to treat.
Symptoms not to be ignored if over age 50 include:
- abnormal periods
- weight gain or loss
- heavy feeling in pelvis
- pain in lower abdomen
- bleeding from the vagina
- unexplained back pain that gets worse
- gas, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Risk factors for this type of cancer are:
- over age of 50
- never been pregnant
- family/personal history of cancer
- menopause estrogen only hormone therapy
Treatment is usually surgery followed by chemotherapy.
Over 50 female, and experiencing lower abdomen and back pain? Then your next stop needs to be your doc.