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.
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.
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.
If you experience sudden or unusual symptoms, visit your doctor immediately. Follow-up with transvaginal ultrasound, bimanual pelvic exam and a Ca125 blood test may be required to rule out early symptoms of ovarian cancer. At high risk to develop ovarian cancer are women who have been found to have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, did not use birth control pills, have never been pregnant, and who were found to be afflicted with breast cancer before they reach the age of 50.
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.
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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