Latest surveys show that over twenty two thousand women are reported with ovarian cancer every year. This indicates that this condition is increasing at an alarming rate in women. The worst part with this type of cancer is that it shows no or negligible initial symptoms which makes it very difficult to detect at an early stage. Moreover, ovaries are located at a depth in the abdominal cavity due to which any abnormality in the ovaries is very hard to notice. In most of the cancer patients, the cancer is detected at the 3rd or 5th stage when there are very few chances to cure it.

Ovarian cancer is believed to be one of those diseases that show very mild symptoms at earlier stages. One day the person having cancer might feel absolutely all right and the other day, she might get to know that she is suffering from this lethal disease. Here are a few symptoms that may indicate the presence of this condition –

• Pain in the abdominal or pelvic area. There can be various reasons behind the pain like pre- menstrual pain however if the pain continues for two or three weeks, it may be a cause of concern

• In some cases, no pain during the menstrual cycle may also indicate the presence of the disease

• Women with this condition may have extended menstrual cycles stretched over weeks at a time. The presence of these or any other kind of abnormality associated with menstruation should be enough reason for you to see a doctor

• Lack of appetite or feeling of fullness even after eating a little

• Swelling in the bowel area and pelvic heaviness

• A constant back pain that keeps on coming back even after proper treatment

These symptoms may also indicate a minor problem with the reproductive system and that is where the patients get ignorant and shirk from visiting a doctor. It is highly recommended to visit a doctor if any of these symptoms are noticed so that proper ovarian cancer treatment can be started well in time.

Meanwhile, the good news is that in a latest research, a drug has been discovered that shows a relatively faster response for low grade ovarian cancer. A survey was conducted on ovarian cancer patients whose results showed that the tumor was found to shrink from its actual size and the disease showed no advancement for the next two years. The research work on the drug is still progressing but unfortunately, like all other drugs and therapies suggested for the treatment of different types of cancer, this drug is also believed to be associated with unwanted side effects. These may range from mild pain and fatigue to more severe effects like anemia and skin diseases.

Natural treatments also exist for this type of cancer which is safer to undergo and free from side effects. You should consult a physician to know all the alternative treatments for the condition.