Early Detection Saves Lives
One in 71 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her lifetime. It affects mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. With early detection about 94% will survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Currently, only 15% of ovarian cancer is caught early. Estimates for ovarian cancer in the United States for 2012: about 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed and about 15,500 deaths will occur. It ranks fifth as the cause of cancer deaths in women. (Source: American Cancer Society)
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- Abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort
- Nausea, indigestion, or gas
- Urinary frequency, constipation, or diarrhea
- Abnormal bleeding
- Unusual fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Shortness of breath
Take action if any symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks.
Consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms persist and they are unusual for you. Experts recommend a pelvic/rectal exam at a minimum, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA125 test may also be necessary. Pap smears test only for cervical cancer. If ovarian cancer is suspected ask to see a gynecologic oncologist.
95% of patients with ovarian cancer report symptoms, most commonly:
- abdominal (77%)
- gastrointestinal (70%)
- pain (58%)
- constitutional (50%)
- urinary (34%)
- pelvic (26%)
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can occur in the abdomen even though the ovaries are in the pelvis. Do not ignore persistent and unexplained abdominal symptoms. Ask your practitioner to perform a pelvic/rectal exam at a minimum or refer you to someone who can. Ask your practitioner about current status of blood marker and transvaginal ultrasound for detection of ovarian cancer.
