Signs & Symptoms of Ovairian Cancer

Ovarian cancer was once considered to be a nearly unbeatable disease because it often is not detected until it's too late, according to Mayo Clinic. Now there is a greater awareness about the early symptoms. The American Cancer Society estimates that the five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent among women whose ovarian cancer is detected early. Yet in about 80 percent of all cases, the cancer is not found until the tumor has spread.

Symptoms

• According to Mayo Clinic, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect because the symptoms are similar to other medical conditions, such as problems with the bladder or the digestive system. Women who have ovarian cancer may experience a frequent urge to urinate, chronic indigestion, lower back pain, abdominal bloating, constipation and pelvic pain. Other symptoms include changes in the menstrual cycle, loss of appetite and pain during intercourse. If these symptoms are chronic and become more severe, they could be warning signs of ovarian cancer.

When to Get Medical Help

• Since the symptoms of ovarian cancer are not always easy to identify, it is important for women to pay close attention to any abnormal changes in their bodies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women should see a physician if their symptoms last for several days. Women should also consult a doctor if they are having abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially if this is happening after menopause.

Risk Factors

• Genes can play a role in a woman's risks. The American Cancer Society states that women who have family members who have had ovarian cancer are about 15 percent more likely to develop this condition. According to Mayo Clinic, women who have a genetic mutation that makes them vulnerable to breast cancer are also much more susceptible to ovarian cancer. Women who are obese, infertile or who have never had children are also at an increased risk.

Prevention

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no proven methods for preventing ovarian cancer. However, there are some things women can do to reduce their chances. This includes breastfeeding, or using birth control pills for at least five years. Also, women who have had their tubes tied, who have had a hysterectomy, or who have had at least one pregnancy, are less likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Treatment

• Women who have ovarian cancer may get treatment through surgery, chemotherapy or a combination of the two. According to Mayo Clinic, the goal of surgery is to remove the majority of the cancer from the abdomen, leaving only a minuscule portion of the tumor. Chemotherapy often begins after the surgery. In the more severe cases, women will receive a double round of chemotherapy in the form of intravenous drugs and injections that go right into the abdomen.