Can Ovarian Cancer Cause Weight Gain? | Moffitt (2024)
Ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they tend to be vague and easily dismissed. For instance, the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are abdominal swelling and bloating, which can develop as an ovarian tumor grows and takes up more space within a woman’s abdominal cavity. Some people may attribute these symptoms to general weight gain. However, beyond the swelling and bloating caused by a tumor, there may also be another link between ovarian cancer and weight gain.
Reduced activity - Some cancer patients experience fatigue and a general lack of energy, which can lead to a reduction in physical activity that can promote weight gain.
A side effect of treatment - Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, can cause weight gain either directly or through an increase in water or fluid retention (edema). Some medications can also slow the body’s metabolism, which in turn can lead to weight gain.
A change in eating habits - During cancer treatment, some patients eat more than usual due to anxiety or intense food cravings. Additionally, patients who experience treatment-related nausea may find that they feel less nauseated with a full stomach.
It is important to note that weight gain is not unique to ovarian cancer patients; it can occur for similar reasons in patients with any type of cancer.
If you are experiencing unexplained weight gain or other ovarian cancer symptoms, you can consult with a specialist in the gynecological clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form online.
Strictly speaking, body weight is the measurement of weight without items located on the person. Practically though, body weight may be measured with clothes on, but without shoes or heavy accessories such as mobile phones and wallets, and using manual or digital weighing scales.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Human_body_weight
gain associated with ovarian cancer can occur for a number of reasons, such as: Reduced activity - Some cancer patients experience fatigue and a general lack of energy, which can lead to a reduction in physical activity that can promote weight gain.
Certain types of cancer can cause weight gain. Ovarian and colorectal cancer, for example, may cause fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen. This type of edema is called ascites.
Chemotherapy and hormone therapy can cause fluid retention. The extra water that your body hangs on to can make your weight go up and leave your clothes feeling snug. Some ovarian cancer treatments can also slow your metabolism. That means your body burns fewer calories for energy.
“Bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain are three of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms,” Taylor explains. “Feeling full quickly and exhaustion are the other two.
In some cases, bloating could be a symptom of ovarian cancer. The reason you may bloat with this type of cancer is because of a buildup of fluid inside the abdomen (belly), called ascites. This can happen because of things such as: Cancer spreads to the peritoneum.
There are many possible causes of rapid weight gain, including anxiety and depression, insomnia, certain medications, and hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of your sudden weight gain.
The bottom line. A common experience, ovarian cysts are usually symptomless and harmless. Ovarian cysts might cause abdominal bloating, but they're not associated with weight gain.
During the early stages of ovarian cancer, symptoms may be present but are often vague and ill-defined. Symptoms may include pelvic or abdominal discomfort, increased abdominal size or bloating, decreased appetite, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, or urinary symptoms (urgency and frequency).
The pain or discomfort could be felt all over your abdomen or pelvic area, or only on one side. It can also feel like heartburn or indigestion, or general tenderness.
Ovarian cancer grows quickly and can progress from early stages to advanced within a year. With the most common form, malignant epithelial carcinoma, the cancer cells can grow out of control quickly and spread in weeks or months.
This conclusion is based on a further analysis of the 2018 Every Woman Study™️ findings that showed that, globally, the average time to an ovarian cancer diagnosis from when first noticing symptoms is 31 weeks, or 7.75 months.
Where does ovarian cancer spread first? There is no single trajectory for where ovarian cancer will spread; however, if not caught in early stages, most cases of ovarian cancer will follow a similar path: from the pelvis, to more distant parts of the abdomen and peritoneal cavity, to the lymph nodes, and the liver.
Weight gain associated with ovarian cancer can occur for a number of reasons, such as: Reduced activity - Some cancer patients experience fatigue and a general lack of energy, which can lead to a reduction in physical activity that can promote weight gain.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having: a swollen tummy or feeling bloated. pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis) no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating.
Urinary problems associated with the early stages of ovarian cancer include an urgent or frequent need to urinate. If you experience the above symptoms for more than two weeks, book an appointment with a medical professional.
Obesity has been linked to several common cancers including breast, colorectal, esophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer. Obesity also increases the risk of dying from cancer and may influence the treatment choices.
Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting development and growth. A child with Prader-Willi syndrome has an excessive appetite, which can lead to obesity if not properly managed. Other characteristics include short stature and intellectual disability.
Adrenal belly fat appears as a “ponch” right below the natural waist. It's often referred to as a “spare tire” or a “muffin top.” Even if you feel like you're doing everything right: you're exercising, you're making healthy food choices, etc. but that “muffin top” still won't go away, you're not alone.
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