Ovarian cancer is called “the silent killer” by doctors in Singapore. There’s a good reason for this scary name. Unlike breast cancer, which you can feel as lumps, ovarian cancer symptoms are hard to spot. They often look like everyday health problems.

In Singapore, women are busy. They work long hours and take care of families. It’s easy to ignore belly bloating. You might think it’s from eating too much at hawker centers. You might blame tiredness on our hot weather or long work days. But knowing the warning signs could save your life.

Why Ovarian Cancer Hides So Well in Singapore

Our hot climate and busy lifestyle make it hard to spot cancer signs. Many women think belly pain comes from the heat. They blame it on eating spicy food or skipping meals because of work. This makes it even more important for Singapore women to watch for signs that don’t go away.

New data from Singapore’s cancer records show ovarian cancer cases are growing. This is especially true for women over 50. But younger women can get it too. Cases have been found in women in their twenties and thirties.

Four Key Signs You Must Not Ignore

1. Belly Bloating That Won’t Stop

We all feel bloated after big meals. Perhaps after Chinese New Year feasts or dinner at Marina Bay. However, normal bloating comes and goes. It’s linked to what you eat. In contrast, cancer bloating is different. Instead, it stays. Furthermore, it doesn’t get better when you change what you eat. Unfortunately, it may get worse over time.

Women say it feels like their clothes shrunk. They need to loosen their belts during the day. They haven’t eaten more than usual. If you’ve had bloating for more than three weeks, see a doctor.

2. Getting Full Too Fast When Eating

Singapore food culture is about sharing meals. Additionally, we try many dishes. However, if you suddenly can’t finish your usual chicken rice portion, pay attention. Similarly, if you feel too full after a few bites of laksa, something might be wrong. Doctors call this “early satiety.” Typically, it happens when tumors press on your stomach.

This is especially worrying if you always had a good appetite. Therefore, if you can’t finish meals you normally enjoy, see a doctor.

3. Belly or Pelvic Pain That Won’t Go Away

Many women have pelvic pain. Generally, it can come from different causes. However, new pain that doesn’t match your period cycle needs attention. In some cases, ovarian cancer pain can feel dull. Alternatively, it might be sharp stabs. Sometimes, it could be constant pressure in your lower belly.

The pain might get worse when you move. For instance, it could hurt when you climb stairs in shopping malls. Similarly, it might hurt when you walk through MRT stations.

4. Changes in Bathroom Habits

Changes in how you pee can be a warning sign. For example, you might need to go more often. Alternatively, you might feel urgent. Additionally, you might have trouble starting. Usually, a growing tumor can press on your bladder.

Furthermore, you might also have ongoing constipation or diarrhea. However, if it doesn’t get better with diet changes or medicine, see a doctor. Often, these symptoms are blamed on Singapore’s heat or work stress. Nevertheless, when they stay around with other warning signs, you need a check-up.

Other Warning Signs to Watch For

Besides the four main symptoms, other signs can come with ovarian cancer:

Weight changes you can’t explain: Fast weight loss without dieting is concerning. Similarly, weight gain you can’t explain is worrying, especially in your belly area. In Singapore, weight changes are often blamed on stress or work pressure. However, sudden changes need medical attention.

Tiredness that won’t go away: Everyone gets tired in Singapore’s demanding environment. Nevertheless, cancer tiredness is different. Moreover, it’s overwhelming. Unfortunately, rest doesn’t help. Consequently, it makes daily activities hard. Therefore, if you can’t keep your usual energy for work, family, or social activities, see a doctor.

Period changes: Irregular periods, unusual bleeding, or changes in your flow can be early signs. This is especially true for women who haven’t reached menopause yet. While stress can affect periods, lasting changes should be checked by a doctor.

Family History and Your Risk

Singapore has people from many backgrounds. Consequently, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian women may have different cancer risks. Importantly, family history matters for all backgrounds.

Key risk factors include:

• Family history of ovarian, breast, or bowel cancer
• Personal history of breast or womb cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes
• Never being pregnant
• Starting periods early or reaching menopause late
• Using hormone replacement therapy

Understanding your risk helps you decide how careful to be about symptoms. Additionally, it helps you know how often to get screened.

When to See a Doctor in Singapore

The rule is simple. Specifically, if you have any mix of the four main symptoms for more than three weeks, book a doctor visit. Meanwhile, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Also, don’t hope they’ll go away on their own.

Fortunately, Singapore’s healthcare system gives you several options:

• Start with your family doctor or polyclinic
• Ask for referral to a women’s health specialist if needed
• Consider private healthcare for faster access
• Use Singapore’s cancer screening programs

Why Regular Health Checks Matter

This is where taking charge of your health becomes key. Currently, there’s no routine test for ovarian cancer like there is for breast or cervical cancer. However, regular full health checks can help find various cancers early. This includes checking tumor markers that might show ovarian cancer.

At HOP Singapore, our executive health screening packages include cancer markers like CA125. Sometimes, this can be high in ovarian cancer cases. While CA125 alone doesn’t diagnose ovarian cancer, it can be a valuable clue when combined with symptoms and other findings.

Furthermore, we take a complete approach to health screening. As a result, women can have their overall health checked regularly. This makes it easier to spot changes or worrying patterns early. Additionally, our locations in Orchard and Tampines make it easy for busy working women across Singapore. Therefore, you can put your health first without major disruptions to your schedule.

Success Stories of Early Detection

Finding ovarian cancer early can greatly improve outcomes. When caught in Stage I (only in the ovaries), about 90% of women survive five years. But when found in later stages after cancer has spread, survival rates drop a lot.

This big difference shows why paying attention to small symptoms matters. Regular health check-ups are crucial too. Many women who beat ovarian cancer say they first ignored their symptoms. They thought it was stress or normal aging.

Creating Your Symptom Watch Plan

Making a personal awareness plan can help you stay alert. You won’t become anxious about every small discomfort:

Keep a symptom diary: Track symptoms that stay around. Additionally, note how strong they are and how long they last. This information helps doctors a lot. Furthermore, it helps tell the difference between normal changes and concerning patterns.

Know what’s normal for you: Understand your typical energy levels. Also, know your usual appetite and digestion patterns. Importantly, changes from your personal normal are more important than comparing to others.

Schedule regular check-ups: Don’t wait for problems to show up. Instead, regular health screenings and women’s health exams create chances for early detection. Moreover, they also give baseline health data.

Learn about family history: Collect detailed information about cancer in your family. This includes types of cancer, ages when diagnosed, and treatment results. Ultimately, this information helps doctors assess your risk level.

Singapore’s Healthcare Advantage

Singapore has world-class healthcare. As a result, this gives excellent resources for finding and treating cancer. The National Cancer Centre Singapore works with major hospitals like SGH, NUH, and Mount Elizabeth. Together, they offer complete cancer care services.

Additionally, Singapore also focuses on preventing health problems. This means resources are available for early detection and screening. Programs like HealthHub and various health screening efforts make it easier for women to access information and services.

For working women, services like our express health screening programs fit into busy schedules. Furthermore, they provide complete health checks that can spot potential concerns early.

Your Action Plan Moving Forward

If you’re reading this and recognize some symptoms in yourself, don’t panic. But don’t delay action either. Here’s your step-by-step approach:

1. Write down your symptoms: Note what you’ve been experiencing. Write how long it’s been happening. Note how it affects your daily life.
2. Book a doctor visit: Contact your healthcare provider. Or book an appointment for a complete health screening.
3. Get ready for your appointment: Bring your symptom notes. Bring family history information. Write down questions you want to ask.
4. Follow through with recommended tests: If your doctor suggests more testing, blood work, or scans, do them quickly.
5. Keep up regular screening: Whether or not current symptoms mean cancer, set up routine health check-ups and screenings.

The Bottom Line

Ovarian cancer’s reputation as a silent killer doesn’t have to be your reality. Instead, you can understand the small symptoms. Additionally, you can know your risk factors. Furthermore, you can keep up regular health screenings. As a result, this can greatly improve your chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Remember, most women who have these symptoms don’t have ovarian cancer. Indeed, many conditions can cause similar symptoms. However, the only way to know for sure is through proper medical check-up. In Singapore’s fast-paced environment, it’s easy to put off health concerns. Nevertheless, your wellbeing should never come second to other commitments.

Your health is your most valuable thing. Therefore, investing in regular screenings and staying alert to your body’s signals is one of the smartest investments you can make. For comprehensive information about ovarian cancer from medical experts, the Singapore Cancer Society provides valuable resources and support. Meanwhile, for complete health screening options made for Singapore women’s needs, visit HOP Singapore. Learn about our specialized programs designed to fit your lifestyle while putting your health first.

Take charge of your health today. When it comes to cancer, early detection isn’t just about treatment options. Instead, it’s about taking back your future.

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For more information about cancer screening and complete health check-ups, explore our range of corporate health screening services and individual health packages designed specifically for Singapore’s unique healthcare needs.