Ovarian cancer is still the deadliest of the gynecological
cancers and is often thought of as a silent killer even in the
medical community. However, women who are aware of this cancer’s
symptoms and discover the disease early can fight and defeat this
covert enemy.
Ovarian cancer is still the deadliest of the gynecological cancers and is often thought of as a silent killer even in the medical community. However, women who are aware of this cancer’s symptoms and discover the disease early can fight and defeat this covert enemy.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 25,400 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, and 14,300 are expected to die from the disease.
The five-year survival rate for patients whose disease is detected in late stages is only 25 percent, yet if diagnosed before the cancer has spread outside the ovaries, a woman’s chance for five-year survival rises to 90 percent. Therefore, early recognition of symptoms and early diagnosis can significantly increase the patient’s survival rate.
Right now, ovarian cancer does not have a reliable screening tool, so paying attention to changes in one’s own body can lead to the early diagnosis that is crucial for successful treatment.
Know the symptoms:
• abdominal pressure, bloating or discomfort
• constipation, diarrhea or frequent urination
• nausea, indigestion or gas
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• unusual fatigue or backaches
• unexplained weight loss or gain
• shortness of breath.
If these symptoms are unusual and persist for more than two weeks, women are advised to see a doctor. To aid diagnosis, Dr. Bahador suggests combining a pelvic/rectal exam with a CA 125 blood test and a transvaginal sonogram.
Also, treatment by a gynecologic oncologist, an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs, has been shown to increase survival significantly.
For more information about ovarian cancer, contact the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance www.ovariancancer.org or at 202-331-1332.
