Ovarian cancer is also called the silent killer because it is difficult to diagnose. This type of cancer is one of the most insidious precisely because the early symptoms can be easily mistaken for some harmless conditions.
Health magazine asked four women from the National Ovarian Cancer Society to describe their first symptoms:
1. Bleeding
"In my case, my menstrual cycle started every two weeks," says Cheryl Newman, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 53.
"I had already entered menopause and had no more periods. However, when it came back twice a month, I knew something was wrong."
2. Flatulence
"My stomach was constantly bloated and I couldn't get rid of it. I ignored it because I thought it was due to my unhealthy diet or menstruation, but since the bloating did not go away, I went to the doctor," says Sheryl, who is 55 today. year.
3. Loss of appetite
"I remember after a few bites I was already full. Anything would fill me up quickly," says Kimberly Singleton, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 32.
"I only ordered a salad and I was already half full," she adds.
4. Cramps
"At first I thought it was menstrual problems," Cheryl says.
"It is not easy to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer," adds Alicia Delario (54), who has experienced it on her own skin.
5. Back pain
"I would come home with incredible back pain. I couldn't sit, I couldn't stand, I couldn't even sleep," says Cheryl.
Kimberly also noticed back pain: "I was constantly taking medication. The pain was very intense in the lower back."
"Most people have back problems at some point in their lives, but it is crucial that in the case of ovarian cancer, the pain does not go away. Especially if it is not associated with any physical activity that could have affected the painful back," says Dr. Marlin Meyers.
6. Breathing problems
"I felt pressure in my lungs, but by then the cancer was already advanced to stage 3 or 4," says Cheryl. She recalls that it was difficult for her to breathe, especially while lying down, writes Index.hr.
7. "Toilet problems"
"I had to pee all the time. I couldn't even last a whole business meeting. It was really uncomfortable," says Kimberly.
"None of these symptoms slowed down my life. I was still running, walking the dog, playing with my seven-year-old girl. If it weren't for the symptoms of the constant need to go to the toilet, I probably wouldn't have gone to the doctor for a long time," says Alisija, reports B92.
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