Symptoms of ovarian cancer are almost invisible. But early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of survival.
Canadian actress Cobie Smulders, known for her role as Robin in the American series How I Met Your Mother, recently shared an intimate experience in an open letter published by Lenny Letter. Now a 34-year-old mother of two, she experienced an upheaval a decade ago when doctors told her she was suffering from ovarian cancer. The star hopes his testimony will make the general public aware of this disease and its warning signs.
When she was 25 years old, the actress noticed an unusual tiredness, as well as constant and unexplained pressure in the abdomen, she says. She went immediately to her gynecologist and believes that it was the rapid management of the disease that saved her life. The survival rate is very high for women who are diagnosed early, but most cases of ovarian cancer are unfortunately discovered rather late, when the tumor already takes up all the place in the abdomen.
Watch for changes
The disease rarely affects young people in their twenties, but it can happen, especially when it comes to cancer linked to a genetic mutation. Otherwise, the average age is around 69 years. This type of cancer can cause no symptoms at first. But once the tumor begins to take up space, certain signs become visible. In case of bleeding between periods (or after menopause), urgent and frequent need to urinate, pressure in the pelvic or abdominal region, constipation, digestive changes, abnormal fatigue, loss of appetite, or bloating, do not hesitate Consult a doctor or a gynecologist.
Symptoms vary from one woman to another and are not systematic, but they may indicate the presence of cancer. Do not be afraid to talk about it and ask that you check that you are healthy.