The bigger the woman's vagina, the more likely she is to develop ovarian cancer

According to statistics, 225,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 140,000 patients die from ovarian cancer every year worldwide. In China, the incidence of ovarian cancer increases at an annual rate of 1.83%, and the patients are becoming younger. Since ovarian cancer has no symptoms in its early stages and is easily metastatic, most patients are already in the late stages when they seek medical treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis of ovarian cancer becomes increasingly important. According to experts, gynecological examinations, transvaginal color ultrasound and serum CA125 testing are currently the most commonly used methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer, and are also internationally accepted methods for screening high-risk groups.

Ovarian cancer has no obvious early symptoms

"Ovarian tumors can cause compression, adhesion, and traction on the surrounding ligaments, and the constant stimulation of ascites can lead to digestive tract symptoms such as abdominal distension and pain," experts warned. But at this time, ovarian cancer is often in a relatively advanced stage.

Because the ovaries are located deep in the pelvic cavity, if lesions occur, the early symptoms are not typical. In the late stage, symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, abdominal masses, irregular vaginal bleeding, and even pleural effusion and organ metastasis may occur. As the tumor grows larger or ascites appears, the above symptoms become more obvious and may be accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, low-grade fever and fatigue.

The older you are, the more you need to check for ovarian cancer

Many middle-aged and elderly women often neglect to examine their uterus and ovaries during physical examinations, and even think that they will not develop ovarian cancer since they have already gone through menopause. Experts warn that the older women get, the more they should pay attention to ovarian cancer screening, and they should be more vigilant if they have digestive tract symptoms that are not cured for a long time.

Experts point out that people are not vigilant enough about ovarian cancer. Therefore, some ovarian cancer patients often only go to the gastroenterology department for treatment after experiencing symptoms such as poor appetite and abdominal discomfort. Even if the disease has not been cured for a long time, they will not think of screening for ovarian cancer. For example, some patients have experienced stomach discomfort for half a year but have never thought of screening for ovarian cancer. Some middle-aged and elderly women often focus on the examination of the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, etc. during physical examinations, but pay less attention to the examination of the uterus and ovaries. Some even think that they will not develop ovarian cancer because they have reached menopause or their uterus and ovaries have atrophied. This view is wrong, which has led to more than 70%-75% of ovarian cancer patients being in the late stage of cancer when diagnosed.

Experts warn that one in five women will develop a pelvic mass, and to rule out the possibility of a malignant tumor, the most comprehensive ovarian cancer detection method currently is the combined detection of HE4 and CA125. In addition, older women should be screened for ovarian cancer, even after menopause.

Ways to prevent ovarian cancer

(1) Make sure to have regular physical examinations. Female friends should pay attention to their physical condition at all times and have regular check-ups so as to detect physical abnormalities in time and receive timely treatment.

(2) Pay attention to a balanced diet. Experts say that diet in daily life is a very important aspect in preventing ovarian cancer. Female friends should pay attention to a balanced diet and limit fat intake. Studies have shown that women whose daily diets contain too much saturated fat are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

(3) Make sure you take part in more physical activities. To prevent ovarian cancer, female friends should also pay attention to participating in more daily exercise. Women who exercise regularly have a 27% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetime than women who do not exercise. Therefore, exercise is also an important way to prevent ovarian cancer.

(4) Pay attention to the use of hormones. Experts say that to prevent ovarian cancer, female friends should also pay attention to the use of hormones. Many female friends have symptoms of menstrual disorders and often use hormones to regulate menstruation. A survey found that long-term use of hormones to regulate menstruation or long-term menstrual irregularities may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.