Know the facts.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women.
Know the symptoms.
· Persistent bloating
· Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
· Pelvic or abdominal pain
· Feeling the need to urinate often or urgently
· Ongoing unusual fatigue
· Weight gain or loss with no known reason
· Constipation or unusual menstrual changes
· Pain during sex
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult your doctor. Early detection makes a difference!
Only 19% of ovarian cancer is found in the early stages.
Know your body.
Are you at risk?
Family history: Women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer are at a higher risk.
Age: While most ovarian cancer occurs in women 50 years or older, researchers are clear to point out that this disease does not discriminate.
Non-childbearing: Women who have had children have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Using birth control pills also lowers the risk.
Obesity: Studies show that obese women are not only at a greater risk for developing ovarian cancer, but also have a higher rate of death from the disease.
Hormone replacement therapy – Some evidence suggests that women using hormone replacement therapy post-menopause have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Know the difference.
A pap test detects cervical cancer—not ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor about these tests that are able to detect ovarian cancer:
Pelvic Exam: Women age 18 and above should have a mandatory annual vaginal exam. Women age 35 and above should receive an annual rectovaginal exam.
Transvaginal Sonography: If you are at a higher
risk for ovarian cancer, or have had an abnormal pelvic exam, talk to your
doctor about this ultrasound exam.
CA-125 Test: Women
at a high risk for ovarian cancer should talk to their doctor about the CA-125
test. This blood test determines if the level of CA-125, a protein produced by
ovarian cancer cells, has increased in your blood.
