Ovarian Cancer Signs

September 17, 2007 Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among American women and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates 20,180 women will be diagnosed with the cancer. About 15,310 will die from it. Ovarian cancer is more common after menopause. Although it can occur in younger women, about 66 percent of affected women are 55 and older. The cancer is also slightly more common in white women than in African-American women. Some other risk factors include: beginning menstruation before 12, menopause after 50, having no children, having a first child after 30 or long-term use of fertility drugs. Personal history of breast cancer or a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer is also associated with an increased risk for ovarian cancer. Surviving Ovarian Cancer - The Need for Early Diagnosis Overall, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is about 45 percent. If the cancer is found at early stages (before it has spread outside the ovary), five year survival rates are much higher at 94 percent. But according to the American Cancer Society, only about 19 percent of the cancers are detected in early stages. Researchers say two factors contribute to the later diagnosis for ovarian cancer - (1) the lack of highly reliable and inexpensive screening tests, and (2) the presumed belief that there are no early warning signs. However, studies show many women experience symptoms of the cancer for weeks to months before being diagnosed. Some of the most common symptoms experienced by women with early stages of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain or pressure, gas or bloating, abdominal swelling, unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, increased urinary frequency or urgency, incontinence, and lack of energy. Some women may also experience pain during intercourse, low back pain, shortness of breath, unexplained changes in bowel habits and unexplained weight gain or loss. As the cancer progresses and starts to spread, it can lead to an obvious abdominal mass and/or bowel obstruction. While signs of ovarian cancer may be present, they may not be enough of a warning for women or doctors to pay attention. The problem is that the symptoms are common and vague. Some women attribute the problems to fluctuating hormone levels, menopause or stress associated with changes in family responsibilities. However, Joseph Lucci, III, M.D., Gynecologic Oncologist with the University of Miami Sylvester, Comprehensive Cancer Center, says if, despite treatment, the symptoms persist for two or more weeks, women should seek advice from a gynecologist and ask for an examination and screening. Some of the tests used for ovarian cancer screening include a rectovaginal exam, transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is leading a national educational campaign, called "Break the Silence," to make women aware of the seriousness of ovarian cancer and to watch for early signs of the disease. A recent survey by the group found 54 percent of women havent talked with their doctor about ovarian cancer and 40 percent are not aware of the risk factors. AUDIENCE INQUIRY For general information on ovarian cancer signs, diagnosis and treatment: American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org, or contact your local chapter National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, http://www.ovarian.org Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, http://www.ovariancancer.org BIBLIOGRAPHY Attanucci, Cara, M.D., "Differences in Symptoms Between Patients with Benign and Malignant Ovarian Neoplasms," American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, May 2004, Vol. 190, No. 5, p. 1435-1437. Bhoola, Snehal, M.D., and William Hoskins, M.D., "Diagnosis and Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer," Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 2006, Vol. 107, No. 6, pp. 1399-1410. Buys, Saundra, M.D., et al., "Ovarian Cancer Screening in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial," American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, November 2005, Vol. 193, No. 5, pp. 1630-1639. 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Yawn, Barbara, M.D., et al., "Ovarian Cancer," Mayo Clinic Proceedings, October 2004, Vol. 79, No. 10, pp. 1277-1282. Research compiled and edited by Barbara J. Fister