Learn the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

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About Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Many people believe there are no symptoms for ovarian cancer but the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the American Cancer Society formed a consensus statement which was released June 13, 2007.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement

Historically ovarian cancer was called the "silent killer" because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. These symptoms include:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer3. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms.

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

ADDITONAL symptoms may be subtle such as an increased waistline or persistent indigestion that has no apparent cause and does not respond to medicine, unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in bowel habits, gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea or indigestion. Discuss any changes with your doctor.

If you Suspect You have Ovarian Cancer

Insist on seeing your gynecologist right away. You will need a bi-manual exam, a CA-125 blood test or a trans-vaginal sonogram.
Don't hesitate!