Cancer will impact one in two individuals within their lifetime, yet many still overlook common warning signs.
As alarming as it sounds, people often fail to recognise symptoms, unaware they warrant concern. Dr. Shireen, a GP who creates viral TikTok videos, is all too familiar with this issue.
In a recent video, she discussed frequently missed “red flag” cancer symptoms that people should not ignore for the sake of their health.
Speaking in the video, Dr. Shireen said: “There is one cancer where I think patients sit on their symptoms for a little bit too long before they see their GP. Ovarian cancer.
“The symptoms of ovarian cancer are pretty non-specific a lot of the time that means you might think you just have a bit of an upset stomach, you’ve got a bit of indigestion, you’re generally feeling quite tired. You might not necessarily straight away think it’s cancer.”
She added: “Other cancers really like to show themselves, and show themselves off like a breast lump or mucus in the poo and changes in the bowel habit. Ovarian cancer doesn’t really do that for us.”
Dr Shireen has highlighted the common symptoms of ovarian cancer that people should be aware of, including bloating, feeling full quickly after eating, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or pelvic area and frequent urination.
If you have any concerns, she advises visiting your GP who will examine you for any unusual lumps or masses and may conduct a simple blood test to check for other issues.
Results typically come back within a couple of days and, if they’re normal, this can be reassuring. However, if something more serious is detected, you’ll be referred for further assessment.
The doctor emphasised the importance of early detection and urged people not to ignore their symptoms, even if they seem minor. She noted with ovarian cancer, people often “sit on their symptoms” as they aren’t immediately alarming.
Her video has received over 9,000 likes since it was shared, with many viewers opening up about their own experiences.
One viewer revealed: “I literally was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when I was 24. For about four years I was going to the doctors, and they told me I was too young to see a gynaecologist, and that it’s probably my periods.”
Another shared: “My sister died age 26 to ovarian cancer. She started showing signs a year before she found out. What it was we just didn’t know.”
In the meantime, a third wrote: “My mum felt bloated for months. Ovarian cancer – she passed away two years later.”