September Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, about 19,880 women will receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2022. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78. It mostly develops in postmenopausal women 63 years of age or older, though, in rarer instances, it can develop in women younger than 40.
Signs and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer may cause several signs and symptoms. In early stages, women may not have noticeable signs or may be thought to have another condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome. As a result, many may not know they have cancer until they are in later stages.
Symptoms can include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain/swelling
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary urgency or frequency (having to go often)
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Constipation
- Changes in a woman’s period, such as heavier bleeding than normal or irregular bleeding
- Weight loss
Physical therapy treatment after ovarian cancer:
Whether surgery, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy was done, physical therapy will be a very important part of the recovery process. Following surgery, women can be put into menopause, leading to experiences of hot flashes, insomnia, and night sweats, as well as vaginal dryness. Long term side effects of ovarian cancer surgery include possibility of prolapse, decreased sex drive, and painful intercourse due to a decrease in estrogen in the body.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be indicated to help women post-surgery to assess the muscle tone and strength of the pelvic floor muscles as well as decrease scar adhesions and swelling that may lead to pain.
