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One woman in 78 is at risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime.
Facts to know about ovarian cancer:
Fact 1: All woman are at risk for ovarian cancer.
Approximately 22,500 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 13,900 will die from the disease this year. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women.
Fact 2: There is no reliable diagnostic test for ovarian cancer.
A Pap Test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer. It detects precancerous changes to cells of the cervix, which can be treated much more successfully than ovarian cancer.
Fact 3: Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.
Ovarian cancer is most often diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage due to the fact that there is no diagnostic test and symptoms are often common enough to dismiss. A woman might think her symptoms are due to "the time of the month," "something I ate," menopause or confuse them with other common abdominal complaints.
Fact 4: Diagnosis at an early stage vastly improves a woman's chance of survival.
When ovarian cancer is detected at an early stage, up to 90% of women are likely to survive for more than five years. Early detection increases the rate of survival. It is important to know the symptoms and when to go see your doctor. Be an active advocate for your health.
SYMPTOMS of Ovarian Cancer:
OTHER SYMPTOMS may include:
Persistence of Symptoms:
Because the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer have been described as vague or silent, only about 19 percent of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
Persistence of symptoms is key. If symptoms are new and do not resolve with normal interventions like diet change, laxatives or rest within two weeks, it is imperative a woman see her doctor immediately. If cancer is suspected, you should see a gynecological oncologist prior to surgery.
Information referenced from the American Cancer Society and Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
Fact 1: All woman are at risk for ovarian cancer.
Approximately 22,500 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 13,900 will die from the disease this year. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women.
Fact 2: There is no reliable diagnostic test for ovarian cancer.
A Pap Test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer. It detects precancerous changes to cells of the cervix, which can be treated much more successfully than ovarian cancer.
Fact 3: Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.
Ovarian cancer is most often diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage due to the fact that there is no diagnostic test and symptoms are often common enough to dismiss. A woman might think her symptoms are due to "the time of the month," "something I ate," menopause or confuse them with other common abdominal complaints.
Fact 4: Diagnosis at an early stage vastly improves a woman's chance of survival.
When ovarian cancer is detected at an early stage, up to 90% of women are likely to survive for more than five years. Early detection increases the rate of survival. It is important to know the symptoms and when to go see your doctor. Be an active advocate for your health.
SYMPTOMS of Ovarian Cancer:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling as though you have to urinate) or frequency (having to go often)
OTHER SYMPTOMS may include:
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation or menstrual changes
- Abdominal swelling with weight loss
Persistence of Symptoms:
Because the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer have been described as vague or silent, only about 19 percent of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
Persistence of symptoms is key. If symptoms are new and do not resolve with normal interventions like diet change, laxatives or rest within two weeks, it is imperative a woman see her doctor immediately. If cancer is suspected, you should see a gynecological oncologist prior to surgery.
Information referenced from the American Cancer Society and Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.