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Early Signs 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.

According to a statement from the American Cancer Society and other organizations during the summer of 2007, early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include sudden bloating, gas, or a sensation of fullness; fatigue, menstrual irregularities, abdominal or pelvic pain, urgent and/or frequent urination and changes in eating patterns such as difficulty eating or feeling full too quickly.

It is often difficult to detect ovarian cancer as no reliable medical screening currently exists that can provide an early check. Women at risk of having ovarian cancer should stay aware of possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer so that it could be diagnosed immediately. Although early symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can include menstrual irregularities or pelvic pain, do not definitely point to cancer, women should learn to recognize these symptoms early.

Any early symptoms of ovarian cancer should be followed up with a visit with your doctor, who may then also recommend a bimanual pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, and Ca125 blood test. Some risk factors for ovarian cancer include having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations, not having used birth control pills, never having been pregnant, or being diagnosed with breast cancer before 50 years of age.

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.

The difficulty with ovarian cancer comes because early symptoms of ovarian cancer may not necessarily be cancer. Many of these symptoms can instead be related to other conditions, such as ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome. For this reason, women should seek medical attention whenever these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks.

Recognizing the early symptoms of ovarian cancer helps women to stop the progression of this deadly disease. Both women and their doctors should be aware of the risks of ovarian cancer. More than 6% of all cancer deaths in women are attributed to ovarian cancer.

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