Ovarian Cancer Know the Signs, Take Action

By Angela Marshall, MD

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among the gynecologic cancers and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and designed to help educate women about this deadly disease.

A national consensus on ovarian cancer symptoms was announced in 2007. Formulated by the Foundation for Women's Cancer (FWC), the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), the consensus statement has been endorsed by 38 gynecologic cancer advocacy organizations.

Historically, ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. These symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).

Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms.

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

When ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is most effective. That is why women who experience possible symptoms of ovarian cancer should inform their health care provider. They should also make their provider aware of any family history of ovarian cancer and discuss other potential risk factors such as having had other cancers (breast, uterine, or colon) being infertile or having fertility treatment, endometriosis, and smoking.