Signs & Symptoms of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer

Hereditary ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly cancers and should be caught as soon as possible. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cause ovarian cancer to pass from generation to generation. If your family has a history of two or more cases of ovarian cancer, two or more cases of post-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian and breast cancer in the same woman and one of more cases of ovarian cancer or male breast cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing hereditary ovarian cancer.

Appetite

• A woman who has hereditary ovarian cancer has a loss of appetite. This may be from a tumor pushing on the abdomen or stomach and causes significant weight loss.

Bleeding and Discharge

• Women who have hereditary ovarian cancer may experience abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina. During sex she may also feel pain or bleed.

Pains

• It is common that woman with hereditary ovarian cancer have pains in the lower back, pelvis and abdomen. Cramps may also occur.

Lumps and Bloating

• Lumps are often the first sign of a tumor, and women who have hereditary ovarian cancer may have lumps on their stomach or the stomach may be enlarged. These women may also experience abnormal bloating.

Changes

• A change in bowel movements and bladder control are symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women with hereditary ovarian cancer will also have greatly decreased energy.