At least two-thirds of women are unaware of overt symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer.
Experts warn that often women and even doctors miss the early signs of ovarian cancer, significantly reducing survival rates. Indeed, with timely diagnosis, treatment will be much more successful.
A survey conducted by Target Ovarian Cancer showed that at least two-thirds of women do not know obvious symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer.
These include:
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- Feeling full
- Frequent trips to the toilet
This charity noted that GPs do not refer patients early enough because symptoms are too vague or similar to stomach problems.
A survey of 1,000 women in the UK found that only one in five (21%) knew that bloating could be a sign of a tumor.
Two-thirds ( 68 percent) did not know that abdominal pain is also a symptom.
Another 97% did not know that feeling full was a warning sign.
And 99% would not think that need for more frequent urination anxiety can be a disease.
The study also found that a growing number of women — 40 percent compared to 31 percent in 2016 — Cervical swab tests are mistakenly believed to detect ovarian cancer, but they actually detect cervical cancer.
Dr Victoria Barber, a general practitioner in Northamptonshire, said: «Ovarian cancer symptoms appear early and it is important to let your family doctor know if you are experiencing any of them. It is very important that therapists are aware of ovarian cancer and know how to counsel patients who have problems».