How to Check for Ovarian Cancer at Home: Early Signs, Self-Checks, and What You Need to Know

Ovarian cancer is challenging to detect at the early stage, as the symptoms are easy to overlook. Looking for the early symptoms can make a huge difference in preventing a life-threatening situation. If you have any concerns and want to know how to check for ovarian cancer at home, here is a guide with some tips. We will explore what symptoms to look for and when is the time to consult a doctor. 

How to Check for Ovarian Cancer at Home: Symptoms to Notice

Are you wondering how to Detect Ovarian Cancer at Home? Well, you can't diagnose ovarian cancer at home, but you can monitor the persistent symptoms that may indicate the risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are the common early signs of ovarian cancer that you should not ignore if they last for more than 2 weeks:

1. Persistent bloating

• Visible increase in the size of the abdomen

• Bloating that does not come and go with foods or the menstrual cycle

2. Abdominal or pelvic pain

• Persistent pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area

• Pain in the lower abdominal area that does not resolve

3. Feeling full instantly while eating

• Loss of appetite and inability to eat normal portions

• Feeling satiated or full after a few bites

4. Frequent or urgent need to pee

• Needing to pee more often than normal

• Sudden and strong urges to pee

Secondary Symptoms

Other warning signs that need attention include:

• Persistent fatigue or exhaustion

• Unexplained weight loss

• Changes in bowel habits (like constipation)

• Lower back pain without an exact cause

• Persistent nausea or indigestion

• Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding (especially after menopause)

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Menstrual cycle changes

How to Self-Monitor for Symptoms of  Ovarian Cancer?

Consider the following measures to identify early warning signs:

• Keep Track of Symptoms: Track the time, severity, and frequency of ovarian cancer symptoms in your diary or using an app, especially if they last for more than 2 weeks.

• Track Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle: Be aware of irregularities in the menstrual cycle, as they can indicate hormonal imbalances or other problems.

• Check for Bloating: If bloating persists for a long period and does not resolve with dietary changes, it may need attention.

• Assess Family History: If ovarian cancer runs in the family, it can increase your risk of developing it.

• Observe Energy Levels: Evaluate constant fatigue or weakness if it occurs without any obvious cause.

• Check Your Urination Patterns: Notice how frequently you pee in a day, and also track your bathroom trips at nighttime. 

When to See a Doctor?

Consult the healthcare professional if:

• you experience 2 or more common symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks

• your OTC remedies do not relieve symptoms

• you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer

Seeing the doctor may help with a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, a CA-125 blood test, and a CT scan or biopsy to diagnose ovarian cancer. 

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

While ovarian cancer is common among women, overall lifetime risks of developing it are still relatively low. Ovarian cancer often occurs in women after menopause, and cancer chances increase with age. Factors that can increase the risks are-

• Obesity or weight gain, a study reports it.

• Over 50 years of age

• Having children after the age of 35 years and carrying a pregnancy to term.

• Using hormonal therapy to treat menopause

• Having a family history of ovarian, breast, and rectal cancer

• Personal history of breast cancer

• Have never been pregnant

• Smoking every day

• Have a history of endometriosis

• Undergone a fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization

If you are at high risk, discuss genetic testing as well as preventive strategies with a doctor.

Can You Prevent Ovarian Cancer?

You can not prevent ovarian cancer, but you can lower the risk of developing it by:

• Taking birth control pills for at least 5 years.

• Maintaining a healthy body weight.

• Consuming a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

• Practicing moderate physical activities regularly for at least 150 minutes per week.

• Using hormonal therapies under a doctor's guidance.

• Managing stress by practicing meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and other relaxation techniques.

• Getting adequate sleep of 7 to 9 hours every night.

• Considering surgery, like bilateral salpingectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy in high-risk cases.

Summing Up

So, how to check for ovarian cancer at home? Well, it involves monitoring of persistent symptoms, such as persistent bloating, persistent pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area, feeling full instantly while eating, frequent or urgent need to pee, and many secondary symptoms. This can help with early detection and better outcomes. If you have any doubt, talk to your doctor. Remember that early action can save a life.