Common Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of death due to cancer for American women. It is estimated to affect 1 out of every 57 women. Ovarian cancer can generally treatable if it is caught in the early stages. however, it is estimated that only 24% of all cases of ovarian cancer are detected early enough. Like with other forms of cancer, survival rates decrease over time. It is therefore very important for women to learn the early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
During the summer of 2007, the American Cancer Society and other similar organizations published findings that symptoms such as unexpected bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness; fatigue, menstrual abnormalities, abdominal or pelvic pain, sudden urge and/or frequent urination and sudden changes in food habits such as difficulty in consuming food or feeling full too quickly may be early symptoms 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 are at more risk of developing ovarian cancer than others. Women who are Ashkenazi Jews, are over the age of 50, have 2 or more relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer, have been exposed to many fertility drugs are at higher risk. Regular monitoring for early symptoms of ovarian cancer are doubly important for these women.
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.

By: Rebecca Wincup

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