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A loved one was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer a few months ago. Apart from the usual horror, what stayed with me is how little we all know about its warning signs. THREAD 1/n - Please RT for awareness
If we had known earlier, we could have prevented her a lot of misery that she faces now. But ovarian cancer is defined by its stealth and its poor mortality is due to how late people realize they have it.
Here are some of the things I have learned about Ovarian cancer in the last few months. (I am not a doctor and all of this is information that has come from my experience and doctors' advice.) I hope that knowing the early signs can keep everyone with ovaries more alert.
Ovarian cancer is known as the Silent Killer. Why? Because the symptoms are not visible until the later stages. We found out (like many others do) that she had the symptoms for at least a year and we didn’t realize.
That’s the other thing about ovarian cancer – the symptoms seem regular. And they are, in isolation. But getting them together is a RED SIGNAL. With COVID around – it is easy to delay further inspection, but it is more important than ever to be more alert.
Another problem with Ovarian Cancer is that it is often misdiagnosed. Our doctors initially thought it could be a liver problem. Or a form of TB. Some women have been told it was their appendix.
SYMPTOMS – Bloating, frequent urination, feeling full quickly (losing appetite), acidity. There may or may not be pain associated. My family member didn’t have any. Weight gain (if around the stomach) can be a symptom that is not noticeable.
The reason why these symptoms together are often overlooked is because it hits women who have just entered menopause. Most women, especially in their early 50s right now, have no information of what menopause should look like.
Talking about these symptoms is not encouraged between family members or friends. This is why it often goes unnoticed.
Another MAJOR symptom – getting periods after menopause hits. IT IS NOT NORMAL TO BLEED AFTER MENOPAUSE. All doctors I spoke to emphasized on this fact.
Everyone with irregular periods would not take this seriously. They would tell themselves that they haven’t actually hit menopause. That it is okay they didn’t get periods for 6 months and are bleeding regularly now.
Get it checked! Menstruating during an age/phase with menopause symptoms is something to be looked at by a gynecologist. Do not only go to your GP!
Ovarian Cancer does not have any full proof test. We test CA-125, a blood test, that may or MAY NOT predict Ovarian Cancer accurately. There are no pap smears. An ultrasound cannot detect Ovarian Cancer.
A CT scan may indicate a mass but cannot definitely say it is Ovarian Cancer. We had an ultrasound done a some months before the diagnosis and it was given an all clear.
The only way to confirm is through a BIOPSY. Which is not easily done because it may cause the spread of cancer to other organs. That only leaves us with surgery as the option to confirm it.
It seems scary – how would I even know? But here is something we need to do that our socializing has not taught us – LISTEN TO OUR BODIES. If you feel something is wrong, try to get it checked. Go to a specialist. Do not rest until you are satisfied with the answer.
Having other stomach related illnesses often leads to prolonging further investigation for Ovarian Cancer. My loved one had kidney stones and she attributed the pain to that instead.
A key indicator is your family history. Ovarian Cancer is not always genetic but it can be. The BRCA genes (responsible for breast and other cancers) is also responsible for Ovarian.
If anyone in your family has had cancer (of the BRCA kind) – ask them if they have had BRCA gene testing done. Then get yourself tested. If this is not possible, monitor for signs. If your mom has breast cancer - you can get ovarian if you both have the gene. Knowledge is imp!
While Ovarian Cancer mainly hits women during menopause, it also happens in younger women. Do not ignore heavy bleeding and painful periods. Go to a gynecologist who will listen to you.
Having had a hysterectomy does not guarantee that you will not get ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is also the umbrella term for fallopian and peritoneal cancers. A hysterectomy (even a complete one) does not guarantee that cells were not left behind.
Ovarian cancer is divided into stages and grades. Everyone does not face the same battle. But everyone has a difficult one. It spreads quickly and grows fast. Act as soon as you suspect.
It is possible to make a full recovery if diagnosed at an earlier stage and it is only possible if we are aware and alert about the symptoms.
Talk to you friends and families about it. There is no shame associated in sharing. Talk to your moms about it. Ask them to get breast examinations done every year or more. Ask them to monitor their periods. Discuss yours.
And above all – TALK ABOUT MENSTRUATION! 50% of the world MENSTRUATES! Only by sharing will we understand what is okay and what is not! Go to a gynecologist you trust ( https://homegrown.co.in/article/801143/ladies-this-crowd-sourced-list-of-non-judgemental-gynaecs-is-all-you-need)
Ask your family about their medical history. Make sure your loved ones do not delay treating themselves. Take care.
Once again, I am not a doctor and this is all information I have learned through my experience, doctors’ advice and research.
