It is important to note that the 10 signs of ovarian cancer are typically unnoticeable in the earliest stage, known as Stage 1. However, as it begins to spread, the 10 most common symptoms of ovarian cancer that may lead to a diagnosis include:
- Constipation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Frequent urination and urgency
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Sudden changes in menstruation
- Back pain
- Loss of appetite and feeling full rather quickly after eating
- Fatigue
Surely, these symptoms can be associated with a wide range of illnesses and diseases. However, when they are a sign of ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent and quite severe. If you experience these symptoms, which may be one of the 10 signs of ovarian cancer, we advise you to visit your doctor for a thorough examination.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
While the causes of ovarian cancer remain unclear, medical experts identified factors that may increase your risk of ovarian cancer. A few are as follows:
Talcum Powder
In 2018, Johnson & Johnson was found liable for selling talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. An investigation in 1971 determined that there could be a correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer since particles of talc were found in ovarian tumors. Women who used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes were found to have an eight percent higher risk of ovarian cancer, compared to those who never used the product a day in their lives.
Getting Older
As a woman gets older, the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases. More than half of ovarian cancer cases occur in post-menopausal women over the age of 63 years. While ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40, 1,000 cases are recorded each year.
Late Pregnancies
Women who get pregnant later in life and those who never carried a pregnancy full-term are at risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This is why it is essential to disclose your medical history to your doctor or consult with a doctor if you decide to have a child at a later time.
Being Overweight
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, you may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Research has shown that although ovarian cancer resulting from being overweight is typically unaggressive, excessive weight can negatively impact your chances of survival.
Family History
If you have a close relative with a history of ovarian cancer, there is a chance, no matter how small, that you could be a carrier of the mutated gene. To diagnose, your doctor will recommend that you undergo genetic screening to determine if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
Hormones
Hormones used to treat the symptoms of menopause—progesterone and estrogen—may increase a woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer. Per the research, the risk is particularly high when the woman is taking the hormones, but reduces drastically when she stops them.
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Women diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a rare genetic condition that often results in hamartomatous polyps in the digestive tract, have a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer. Furthermore, they may be susceptible to getting other types of cancers.
Detecting Ovarian Cancer Early
Although only 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases are found in Stage 1, you may receive an early diagnosis if you:
- Undergo regular examinations. During gynecological examinations, your doctor will check your ovaries and uterus for any abnormalities, which can lead to an early diagnosis.
- Screening tests. If you are not showing any of the aforementioned symptoms, a screening test may be used to detect any tumors or cancerous cells.
- Blood tests. High levels of CA-125 in the blood could be evidence of ovarian cancer. While every ovarian cancer patient does not have a high CA-125 level, the test results can be useful during treatment.
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Let Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Work for You
If you believe that your ovarian cancer diagnosis was a direct result of using talcum powder by Johnson & Johnson, you may have grounds to pursue litigation. Our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover a financial award and get you the justice you deserve. To discuss your case in a free consultation, call us now at (800) 794-0444. If you are concerned about our legal fees, we are happy to announce that we offer a contingency plan and do not expect any payment unless we win the case for you.
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