Doctor Amir Khan has issued a critical warning to women regarding a 'silent killer' cancer, urging them to seek medical attention if symptoms persist for three weeks or more. The ITV regular, known for his medical expertise, shared insights on ovarian cancer in a recent Instagram video.
Key symptoms to watch for
Dr Khan highlighted that ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. He listed common signs including a swollen tummy or persistent bloating, feeling full quickly or reduced appetite, pain or discomfort in the tummy or pelvis, and a frequent need to urinate. These symptoms, if present for three weeks or more without an obvious cause, warrant a check-up.
Additional warning signs
Other symptoms may include indigestion, changes in bowel habits, back pain, fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Dr Khan stressed that while these symptoms are common and often due to other causes, persistence is key.
Who is at risk?
Ovarian cancer can run in families. Dr Khan noted that women with first-degree relatives who have had breast, ovarian, or bowel cancer are at higher risk. The disease primarily affects women over 40, but anyone with ovaries can be affected.
Statistics and urgency
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 7,700 new ovarian cancer cases annually in the UK, with about 3,900 deaths. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Dr Khan emphasised that ovarian cancer is often called a 'silent killer,' but symptoms are present—they are just easy to overlook. He urged women not to ignore persistent symptoms and to consult their GP if something feels wrong.
