In the US, ovarian cancer is the fourth major cause of death from cancer for women and affects 1 in 57 women. The disease can be successfully treated, like most other cancers, if detected early on. Unfortunately, it is currently estimated that only around 24% of ovarian cancer cases are detected early on, resulting in lower survival rates. Hence, it is essential for women to be aware and watch for early signs of ovarian cancer.
To help people recognize the signs of ovarian cancer, the American Cancer Society in 2007, published some guidelines. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can be bloating, gas, a “full” feeling, tiredness, irregular periods, abdominal or pelvic pain, and intense or frequent urination. Having a hard time eating or feeling full too early after beginning to eat are also signs of the presence of ovarian cancer.
All women should be aware of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer in order to have ovarian cancer diagnosed as soon as possible, if at risk. If these symptoms last for upwards of two to three weeks, women should seek advice from their health care provider. Although symptoms such as menstrual irregularities or pelvic pain don’t always point to ovarian cancer, being aware of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer can help save lives. This is more significant given that currently no reliable medical screening exam for the early detection of ovarian cancer exists.
In order to rule out ovarian cancer, it is essential to visit your doctor if you experience any sudden or out of the ordinary symptoms, and then follow it up with a bimanual pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a Ca125 blood test. Women who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, have never used birth control pills or have had no pregnancies and whom were diagnosed with breast cancer before they were 50 years old are more likely than most to develop ovarian cancer.
Some women have higher risks of contracting ovarian cancer. Among the classes of women at elevated risk are Ashkenazi Jews, women with at least two relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer, those exposed to fertility drugs, and those over 50 years of age. For these women, it is even more important to be monitored regularly for early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Regular gynecology checkups are vital for every woman. Some symptoms are common to many conditions and illnesses. If the symptoms persist for longer than two to three weeks, a medical advice is highly recommended. For instance, many of the same early signs of ovarian cancer are similar to those experienced with ovarian cysts or irritable bowel syndrome. To be sure, visit your doctor for a thorough checkup and follow up.
It is extremely critical to be aware of what the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are, so this disease can be stopped before getting any worse. More than 6 percent of cases of cancer are fatal and women along with their physicians need to be aware of these symptoms and keep a close watch for them.
