The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer for a long time was known as a silent killer, simply because by the time the cancer was diagnosed it was too late for effective treatments to be given. Only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found before the cancer has begun to spread past the ovaries. This is mainly because many of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are almost the same as those associated with a lot of other common ailments.



The cancer begins in one or both of the ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus. Each side of the uterus has one small, almond-sized ovary which is responsible for the production of the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are also responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone, which are two female hormones which tend to increase before and during ovulation. This increase in hormones may actually be what causes the tumors to form.



There are two types of tumors: cancerous, and non-cancerous.



The cancerous cells begin on the inside of the ovaries and spreading to the outside, and eventually if not treated will make their way towards the organs located in the pelvic area. They can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, or lymph nodes.



The non-cancerous cells do not spread, and are normally not considered a health threat, but they can contribute to the production of estrogen, which can cause cancerous cells to form.



It is critical that ovarian cancer is detected in its early stages in order to be able to better heal from the disease. But because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of other ailments it is often hard to distinguish between them. However, the symptoms associated with common ailments usually tend to go away within a day or two, but when the symptoms are associated with ovarian cancer they do not go away, but instead they gradually become worse as the cancer spreads.



Some of the symptoms are digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, nausea, and constipation; bladder disorders where one urgently, or frequently needs to urinate; and trouble eating, as well as abdominal bloating or swelling. Pelvic pain, inconsistent menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, and chronic fatigue or lack of energy are also symptoms of ovarian cancer.



If these symptoms occur for more than a week they should be checked out by a medical professional.



Changing to a raw food diet at the first signs of any symptoms may help to get rid of the symptoms, and even reverse the cancer if it has begun to form.