OVCA Information and Help - Can You Recognize The Signs Of Ovarian Cancer?

Because there are no symptoms to warn women that they have ovarian cancer, it is known as the "silent killer". Research has shown that there are some warning signs that have been observed a few months before this cancer has been identified in patients. Sometimes women may reach the later stages of this disease and still have no symptoms. In fact, few women showing symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer are even diagnosed with it.

Chances for death are increased for women diagnosed with this illness as they age. Ovarian cancer deaths occurring in women between the ages of 35 and 54 is about twenty five percent. In women between 55 and 74 the percentages of death due to this illness increases to fifty percent.

Often signs are not detected for this "silent killer" until this disease is in the advanced stages. Women need to know what the signs of ovarian cancer are and be able to recognize them.

The signs of ovarian cancer to watch for are as follows:

Weight loss or weight gain Increase in your waistline that you cannot explain
Shortness of breath Back, pelvic, or abdominal pain
Fatigue
Even though you have not eaten much you feel full V
Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is unusual such as menopausal bleeding or a heavy menstrual flow
Gastro intestinal problems that may be vague such as indigestion, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, bloody stool, vomiting and nausea, prolonged diarrhea or constipation
Discomfort during sex Intense or frequent need to urinate
Spasms or burning sensations while urinating

These symptoms could be a sign of many minor ailments or other disease. If they are experienced for more than a few weeks and get worse with time you should be tested for ovarian cancer. Your health care provider will be able to conduct tests and if necessary a biopsy may be performed.

Women should maintain a healthy life style to prevent this disease as well as many others. An annual examination to detect ovarian cancer before it has a chance to spread should be part of a woman's health care regime after age 35.