Early Signs Of Ovarian Cancer
Oct 3rd, 2008 by Paul R Green
In the US, ovarian cancer is the fourth major cause of death from cancer for women and affects 1 in 57 women. This can be successfully treated if it is diagnosed early. However, only about 24% of ovarian cancer cases are detected early on, resulting in lower survival rates. Hence, it is highly essential for women to watch for 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.
Women who are at risk for ovarian cancer should monitor and report suspected early symptoms of ovarian cancer to their doctor in order to have it diagnosed early. Right now, early ovarian cancer cannot be definitively detected by any one screening examination. Certain symptoms like menstrual irregularities or pelvic pain is not always indicative of ovarian cancer, but awareness of any early symptoms of ovarian cancer is helpful in saving lives.
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.
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 symptoms for 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.
