Urinary incontinence and a frequent or urgent need to urinate are both common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Patients often compare these symptoms and warning signs to a painless urinary tract infection (UTI). That is, the increased need to urinate but without the burning or pain during urination often associated with a UTI.
Fatigue and Pain
Unfortunately, the fatigue and back pain experienced by many patients with ovarian cancer is similar to pre-menstrual symptoms experienced by many women without the disease. The systems are generalized and not specific enough, but they can be helpful when diagnosing the problem.
One clear indicator is if the symptoms are persistent and almost daily rather than restricted to a specific period. However, other symptoms should be present before the patient is screened for cancer.
Genealogy
A family history of ovarian cancer can be one of your strongest warning signs. If one of your immediate family members (mother, sister) or two of your extended family members (grandmother, cousin, aunt) have been diagnosed with the disease, it’s important to let your doctor know so that you can undergo frequent screening.
Fortunately, most ovarian cancer warning signs will present themselves even during the initial stages of the disease. That early diagnosis could save your life, so keep an eye on your body, listen to its triggers and talk to your doctor.
