Be An Ultimate Warrior by Beating Ovarian Cancer with 6 Effective Tips
By Nmami Agarwal 02-Mar 2020 Reading Time: 8 Mins
Ovaries are a pair of female reproductive glands that produce ova (eggs) and store a woman’s supply of eggs and these are connected to the womb. Ovaries are also responsible for the production of female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women. This cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out and the tumour is formed. And if it is left untreated then it can spread to other parts of the body.
Ovarian cancer is the third most detected cancers among women in India. Inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risks of a woman developing ovarian cancer. Researchers also believe that some high-grade tumors may develop in a fallopian tube and travel to an ovary. symptoms such as swollen tummy, abdominal bloating, menstrual irregularities, and an increase in urination and difficulty in eating. These symptoms become more severe as the tumour grows and includes more complex symptoms like changes in bowel movements, pressure in the pelvis and lower back and abdominal bleeding.
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Certain risk factors are associated with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Age older than 55 years
Family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus)
• Never having had children
• Infertility
• Endometriosis
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
• Bloating or an increase in abdominal size
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (frequency and urgency)
Other symptoms can include vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, and a change in bowel habits.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is not easy to detect but an early stage diagnosis can help in the easy treatment and can further save the body from various damages and diseases. If you have any unusual or persistent symptom then you should definitely report to a doctor. A pelvic exam is generally recommended by the doctor in order to detect any irregularities in the ovaries. An imaging test of the ovaries, such as a transvaginal ultrasound exam, may be done. If a growth is found on an ovary, your ob-gyn may order a blood test to measure your CA 125 level. CA 125 sometimes is increased in women with ovarian cancer
Here are some effective tips that can help in the management of Ovarian Cancer
The treatment of ovarian cancer must be complementary by following these effective tips to deal with cancer:
Meditation: Doing meditation eases out stress, pressure and pain. Also, it improves sleep disorders. Practicing meditation can act as an alternative treatment. It reduces anxiety and helps release chronic pain. Meditation can give you patience, clarity, insight and peace of mind that further help you in improving your well-being and health. Regular meditation for 30-45 minutes can ease out the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Exercise: Throughout the treatment for ovarian cancer, a person undergoes various physical and psychological distresses like exhaustion and tiredness. Exercises like stretching, resistance training, aerobic activities are effective in managing the symptoms. Home-based exercise and outdoor exercise are excellent ways to include physical activity in your daily routine. You can try aerobic activities such as walking, cycling or swimming, along with some strength-training exercises
Nutrition: A well balanced diet is a great solution for managing cancer and it can also detangle the uneasiness caused in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Proper nutrition gives you much needed energy which is essential to fight off ovarian cancer. Incorporate foods in your diet such as eggs, nuts and seeds, carrots, leafy greens, whole grains and beans as these are nutrient- rich and are also a great source of various vitamins and minerals, Omega -3 and dietary fiber.
Cut back on deleterious habits: Cutting back the consumption of tobacco and alcohol can help you to combat ovarian cancer while reducing the risk of other diseases. Reducing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol will boost your immune system that helps fight against ovarian cancer.
Maintain a healthy body weight: It is said that obesity is a root cause of many problems. Reducing weight can help you fight cancer. For a healthy weight, limit high-calorie foods, avoid sugary foods and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Nutrient rich foods speed up the process of tissue healing.
Yoga: Yoga provides lots of therapeutic benefits at physical and emotional levels. Yoga helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength while improving health and well-being. You can add simple yoga poses such as Butterfly pose (help in soothing out the area of ovaries), Palm press pose (helps in strengthening the spine) for managing ovarian cancer.
Over to you
Cancer may cause you to experience a range of emotions, such as fear, sadness, anxiety, anger or frustration. It can also cause practical and financial problems. Help out those in need. Be a warrior if you are fighting it! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.