Why is ovarian cancer difficult to detect early?

Early stage ovarian cancer often has symptoms of bloating, flatulence, nausea that are easily confused with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive diseases, making it difficult to detect early.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. One of the main reasons it is difficult to detect early is because symptoms are often vague and effective screening tools are not yet available.

Symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and changes in bowel movements caused by ovarian cancer are often confused with irritable bowel syndrome.

A growing ovarian tumor can stick to the intestines and affect bowel function. Sometimes the patient feels discomfort in the abdomen, cramps, vague and difficult to recognize whether it is a digestive problem or a malignant tumor in the ovaries.

Ovarian cancer is common in women aged 50-60. Illustration: Freepik — Ovarian cancer is common in women aged 50 and over, early treatment increases the cure rate. Illustration: *Freepik*

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, in the case of cancer, bloating occurs due to fluid buildup in the abdomen. In irritable bowel syndrome, this condition can be caused by consuming foods high in fiber, high in fat, fried foods, and carbonated drinks.

To recognize ovarian cancer, you need to pay attention to other signs such as pressure in the pelvis and back, decreased appetite or feeling full soon after eating, unexplained weight loss. Urinating more often or urgently can also warn of this type of cancer.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition, with symptoms that are often intermittent and come and go. Cancer symptoms, on the other hand, continue to progress. If symptoms persist and do not improve with conventional treatment, women should seek medical attention to determine whether cancer is present.

Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in women aged 50-60. People of this age and often have bloating, nausea and vomiting, abnormal bowel movements, should go for early examination and cancer screening.

Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CA-125 blood tests, protein tests... can identify the disease. If the test results are negative, the doctor will rule out cancer and continue to consider other causes.

Ovarian tumors diagnosed early have a high survival rate. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer that has not spread or metastasized is over 90%, with a chance of cure in the early stages.

Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )

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