Ovarian cancer is among the fastest growing cancer among women in India. Women usually tend to ignore the symptoms until it requires medical intervention. Among other symptoms, it has now come forth that constipation in women might be silent symptom of ovarian cancer. You might just be consuming fibres and tablets to get rid off constipation whereas it might be a sign for you to get a health check-up done. Let's understand how is constipation related to ovarian cancer.
What is constipation & its symptoms?
Constipation is a condition where a person has difficulty passing stools or has fewer bowel movements than usual, often fewer than three times a week. It happens when stools become hard, dry, or lumpy, making them painful or difficult to pass.
Common symptoms include feeling bloated, having stomach discomfort, straining during bowel movements, or feeling like the bowels are not completely empty even after going to the toilet. In some cases, it may also cause a loss of appetite or fatigue.
Constipation and ovarian cancer
Getting the expert's insight on how constipation could possibly be related to ovarian cancer, Dr. Ninad Katdare, Consultant- Abdominopelvic Surgical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Colaba said, "The symptoms of ovarian cancer are not always easy to pick, and some of them may go unnoticed, especially constipation that lasts for some days. What makes this disease particularly dangerous is the fact that its symptoms are often so latent that they are easily overlooked."
"Some ovarian tumors whether at early stage can affect the rectum leading to development of constipation. This pressure together with the possibility of hormonal imbalances leads to constipation. Some other issues that can be expected to affect the digestive system include factors such as bloating, abdominal pain and the feeling of fullness quickly," he added.
Dr. Katdare further explained how the constipation should not be taken lightly and should be acted upon if it is persistent. "In this case, it is critical not to confuse constipation with other types of diseases because constipation is caused by various factors and is hardly ever associated with cancer. However, persistent constipation especially with other symptoms like weight loss, pelvic pain or changes in bathroom habits needs to be reported to your doctor. It is therefore important to make a diagnosis of ovarian cancer at a early stage as this enhances the prognosis," he said.
If you experiencing any signs related to the Ovarian cancer it is advisable to visit the doctor. Doctors and other healthcare providers can explain your level of risk and suggest certain screenings or specific diagnostic tests.
