Listen to your tummy, Ladies.

I was sent this information by email from the USA but have decided it is worth adding to my blog. If it helps ONE woman to think hard about what is going on inside her then it is worth it!

Ovarian Cancer Whispers  

- so  listen carefully ...

Watch for  -

 Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort;

  Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as wind, nausea, and      indigestion;

 Frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection;

  Unexplained weight gain or weight loss;

  Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness quickly when   eating;

  Ongoing unusual fatigue;

  Unexplained changes in bowel habits.

If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a 

CA-125 blood test, an internal exam and trans-vaginal ultrasound.

A smear test WILL NOT detect ovarian cancer.

I had all these symptoms but mildly. I was constipated, was peeing small amounts frequently, always totally exhausted, tummy getting bigger despite losing weight. I was having vague periody pains despite being well past the menopause. 

(I know... but at least I'm giving you the heads up!)

Ovarian Cancer is much more rare than breast cancer but creeps up silently. I would far rather you had tests that were negative, than you find out too late that you have advanced Ovarian cancer. I was lucky, that still unexplained post menopausal bleed I had saved my life. It got me to my GP who told me there and then that I would be treated as if I had cancer until it was proved otherwise.

Here I am, one year on, after surgery and treatment, fit and well.