Ovarian cancer has been known as a silent killer, simply because the early symptoms of this cancer are often misdiagnosed. Because of this, only 20% of ovarian cancers are found before they have spread past the ovaries. The cancer begins in the ovaries which are only about the size of an almond, and are located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are responsible for producing the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. They also produce two female hormones known as estrogen and progesterone. High levels of these hormones is linked to the cause of ovarian cancer.
Tumors which form in the ovaries can be cancerous, or non-cancerous. The non-cancerous tumors do not spread, but they do cause the body to create more estrogen, which in turn can cause cancer. Tumors that are cancerous eventually spread to the outside of the ovaries and spread through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The tumors can affect one or both ovaries.
If the cancer is diagnosed early, one has a better chance of surviving. But the early symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they are similar to many other common ailments. The main difference between the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and those of common ailments is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer do not fluctuate, or disappear, but rather they gradually become worse as the cancer cells grow. Most symptoms of common ailments will disappear within a day or two.
Some of the symptoms are digestive disorders, bladder disorders, bloating, constipation, fatigue, and lower back pain. If these symptoms occur and do not go away after a week then it may be a good idea to have it checked out by a medical doctor.
Knowing whether or not one is at risk may also help to determine whether the symptoms are something to worry about or not. As one ages the risk of ovarian cancer increases, and usually the cancer occurs in women who have gone through menopause. Hormone replacement therapy also plays a major role.
Obesity is linked to more severe cancers, and increases the risk by 80%. A drug called danazol, has also been known to increase the risk. It is a male hormone (androgen) which is used to treat endometriosis. A high fat diet also largely increases the risk.
The best defense is to eat a raw food diet, with lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs. Avoiding animal proteins, refined sugars, as well as processed foods will help to maintain a healthy weight, thus eliminating one of the greatest risk factors.
