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Its not a SILENT KILLER.
Years ago, ovarian cancer was
regarded as a silent killer, it was rare and its symptoms were relatively
vague. You should see a doctor to rule it out if you suffer from – persistent tummy
pain, feeling unreasonably full after eating, bloating, bladder and bowel
symptoms such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and recurrent cystitis/
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It’s a sign of the Times
Ovarian cancer would have been rare in
primitive times where most women were almost continually pregnant and hardly menstruated.
With shorter lifespans, they would have not outlived their reproductive years.
These days women can live up to half of their lives post menopausally with the
risk of the disease increasing at this time.
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Hormones Trigger Symptoms
An enlarged lower abdomen or pressing
sensations in the bladder and bowel do not mean you have a huge tumor….
·
There are blood tests you can take for early
detection
You can take a blood test to detect if the
Protein CA 125, which women have naturally is raised as this can suggest
ovarian cancer. It’s however only an indicator, as pregnancy and conditions
such as endometriosis, fibroids and benign cyts can also increase the levels
CA125.
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It is regarded as an Older woman’s cancer
Although it can occur from 20 upwards, most
cases are in women aged 40 plus, with the majority in over 70’s.
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It is regarded as Nuns Caner
Nuns typically went through life without
pregnancies and so may have had around 500 ovulations in their reproductive
life – the number of ovulations you have the greater the impact on your risk of
the disease.
·
The Pill can cut your risk
Taking the pill can help prevent ovarian
cancer as it halts ovulation and reduces the risk. Sterilisation also reduces
the risk.
·
Infertility increases the risk
·
Unlike other cancers where smoking and drinking
alcohol play a clear role, the main lifestyle factor in ovarian cancer is
weight; women with a BMI of 30 or more are at a greater risk than women with a
healthy bmi.
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