Ovarian Cancer info
There are many types of ovarian cancer. 90% of diagnoses are not genetic. We strive to educate the public about this often unrecognized threat, providing resources and information to the best of our ability.
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women.
"
"
-American Cancer Society
Early Detection Saves Lives
It affects mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. A woman's chance of dying from ovarian cancer is 1 in 130. With early detection, about 92% will survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Currently only 20% of ovarian cancer is caught early. For 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates about 19,680 women will receive a new diagnosis and about 12,740 women will die from ovarian cancer.​
symptoms & Signs
Symptoms are often vague and confused with other diseases. 95% of patients with ovarian cancer report the following symptoms, even in the early stages:
Abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Nausea, indigestion, or gas
Urinary frequency, constipation, or diarrhea
Abnormal bleeding
Unusual fatigue
Shortness of breath
​Unexplained weight loss or gain
symptoms & Signs
Symptoms are often vague and confused with other diseases. 95% of patients with ovarian cancer report the following symptoms, even in the early stages:
Abdominal pressure, bloating, or discomfort
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Nausea, indigestion, or gas
Urinary frequency, constipation, or diarrhea
Abnormal bleeding
Unusual fatigue
Shortness of breath
​Unexplained weight loss or gain
If symptoms last more than 2 weeks take action!
While everyone has these symptoms from time to time, it is important to know your body. If you have these symptoms and they are not normal for you, then ask to have the tests listed below (under "Take Action") to help rule out ovarian cancer.
Patients with ovarian cancer report symptoms in these areas of the body:
Abdominal 77%
gastrointestinal 70%
urinary 34%
Pelvic 26%
Symptoms 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. Also ask about current blood marker status and transvaginal ultrasound for detection of ovarian cancer.
TAKE ACTION
If symptoms are not normal for you, ask to have these 3 tests done to help rule out ovarian cancer:
Bimanual
pelvic exam
transvaginal ultrasound
cal25 blood
test*
*if results are elevated, ask to repeat monthly for several months. If levels continue to rise each time, this is a serious indication
If ovarian cancer is suspected it's very Important to find a gynecologic oncologist
RISK FACTORS
Things that may increase the likelihood of a woman getting ovarian cancer.
Heavier body weight
tobacco smoking
Personal history of breast cancer
those testing positive for inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2
history of pelvic inflammatory disease and Lynch syndrome.
Use of estrogen alone as menopausal hormone therapy
Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
​
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, there is help and support. No one should have to face ovarian cancer alone. Below are some of our favorite resources.
Resources & SUPPORT
MD Anderson Cancer Center
mdanderson.org/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer.html
​
Cancer.Net
​
American Cancer Society
​
National Cancer Institute
​
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
​
SEER - National Cancer institute
seer.cancer.gov
​
Cancer Support Community
​
BOOK: A guide to survivorship for women who have ovarian cancer, 2nd edition
Life happens and the only thing you have control of is your attitude...a bad attitude or a good one, life is just more fun with a good attitude.
"
"
-Sean Patrick, Founder