Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Early Signs Of Ovarian Cancer

By Paul R Green

Ovarian cancer is fourth among the leading causes of death due to cancer for American women, affecting 1 out of every 57 women. Ovarian cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed early but only 24% of all cases of ovarian cancer are detected early enough. Survival rate decreases over time. It is therefore very important for women to learn the early symptoms of ovarian cancer.

According to a statement from the American Cancer Society and other organizations during the summer, 2007, early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include sudden bloating, gas, or a sensation of fullness; fatigue, menstrual irregularities, abdominal or pelvic pain, urgent and/or frequent urination and changes in eating patterns such as difficulty eating or feeling full too quickly.

Ovarian cancer cannot be easily detected since no reliable medical screening currently exist for early detection of symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women at risk of having an ovarian cancer should monitor themselves for the early symptoms of ovarian cancer so that it could be diagnosed immediately. Although early symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can include menstrual irregularities or pelvic pain, do not definitely point to cancer, women should learn to recognize these symptoms early.

Any early symptoms of ovarian cancer should be followed up with a visit with your doctor, who may then also recommend a bimanual pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, and Ca125 blood test. Some risk factors for ovarian cancer include having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations, not having used birth control pills, never having been pregnant, or being diagnosed with breast cancer before 50 years of age.

Some women are at more risk of developing ovarian cancer than others. Women who are Ashkenazi Jews, are over the age of 50, have 2 or more relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer, have been exposed to many fertility drugs are at higher risk. Regular monitoring for early symptoms of ovarian cancer are doubly important for these women.

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.

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