Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is fourth among the leading causes of death due to cancer for American women, affecting 1 out of every 57 women. Ovarian cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed early but only 24% of all cases of ovarian cancer are detected early enough. Survival rate decreases 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 monitor the early symptoms of ovarian cancer in order to have ovarian cancer diagnosed as early as possible, if at risk. If these symptoms last for more than two to three weeks, women should seek advice from their doctor.

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. Keep in mind there is currently no reliable medical screening exam for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

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 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.

Having regular gynecological check-ups are important for any woman’s health.  Immediate medical attention should be sought for symptoms that are present for greater than a few weeks. It is also important to realize that what may seem to be early symptoms of ovarian cancer may be something else entirely.

These symptoms can also indicate ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, or another condition that a medical examination would be able to detect.

It is very important for women to know the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, in order to stop this deadly disease in its tracks. Since more than 6% of cancer deaths in women are a result of ovarian cancer, women and their doctors must remain vigilant at all times.