my first symptoms of ovarian cancer stories

If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor right away for proper diagnosis.

Some common first symptoms can be abdominal bloating that doesn't go away, pelvic pain, and difficulty eating. You might feel full quickly even after a small meal.

Blood tests were also a common part of the diagnostic process. Specifically, they would look at the levels of a protein called CA - 125. However, this isn't a perfect diagnostic tool as elevated CA - 125 levels can be caused by other conditions too. In some cases, women with ovarian cancer had normal CA - 125 levels initially, which made the diagnosis more difficult. Imaging tests like ultrasounds were then used. Ultrasounds could show the size and shape of the ovaries and if there were any suspicious masses.

Fatigue is another important symptom. In real stories, women often described feeling extremely tired all the time. This wasn't the normal kind of tiredness after a long day but a deep - seated exhaustion that didn't improve with rest. It could be due to the cancer cells using up the body's energy resources. Also, pelvic pain was frequently mentioned. Some women had dull, aching pain in the pelvic area that gradually became more intense over time.

Real - life stories raise awareness by making the symptoms relatable. When people hear about an individual's experience of having abdominal pain as an ovarian cancer symptom, it becomes more than just a medical fact. It makes them think that this could happen to someone they know or themselves. For example, if a woman shares how she ignored her pelvic discomfort for months thinking it was normal, it alerts others to not make the same mistake.

One thing we can learn is about the abdominal bloating. In real - life stories, many women with ovarian cancer reported sudden and persistent abdominal bloating that didn't go away with normal remedies like diet changes. This can be an early sign. Another symptom is pelvic pain. Some patients shared that they had dull or sharp pain in the pelvic area that increased over time. Also, changes in bowel habits are common. Women noticed things like constipation or diarrhea that were not normal for them. These real - life accounts help us be more aware of the symptoms so that early detection can be possible.

One common first symptom in pancreatic cancer stories is abdominal pain. It can be a dull ache that may come and go at first and then become more persistent. Another symptom could be unexplained weight loss. People often notice they are losing weight without trying, which might be due to the cancer affecting the body's normal functions and metabolism.

Some common first signs include abdominal bloating. For example, many women in the ovarian cancer stories mentioned that they noticed their stomachs getting bigger in a short time without any obvious reasons like overeating. It could be persistent and not go away like normal bloating after a meal or during menstruation.

Common first symptoms may include a lump in the neck. This is often due to swollen lymph nodes. Another symptom can be nasal congestion that doesn't go away with normal treatments like using decongestants. Also, some people experience ear problems such as hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear at the early stage.

Abdominal pain is often mentioned as a first symptom. It might be mild at the start but can worsen over time.