Ovarian cancer is known as the “disease that whispers” because its symptoms are very hard to detect. Every year more than 2,600 women are diagnosed with the disease and 1,750 women die from it. If caught in its early stages, the success rate for treatment is 90%, but to ensure the disease is detected early more awareness of the signs and symptoms is needed. In 2010, Canada’s Minister of Health urged women to learn about these symptoms (http://bit.ly/o4HLpy).
The challenge with this type of cancer, according to Ovarian Cancer Canada, is that the symptoms are “generally vague, non-specific and can be mistakenly attributed to other causes.” Common warning symptoms include:
• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen
• Pelvic discomfort or heaviness
• Back or abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Gas, nausea, indigestion
• Change in bowel habits
• Frequent urination• Menstrual irregularities
• Weight loss or weight gain
Ovarian Cancer Canada also notes that recent onset or severity in any of these symptoms warrants further diagnostic investigation. A Pap smear cannot detect ovarian cancer—a full pelvic exam is necessary.
The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, as most cases occur after menopause. There is increased risk in women who have not had children or never taken oral contraceptives. Women who have had breast or colon cancer or have a family history of those diseases are also at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, as are women who are members of the Ashkenazi Jewish community.
To learn more about this disease, including more symptoms and tips for prevention, visit the Ovarian Cancer Canada website (http://www.ovariancanada.org/), and look for their sunflower fundraiser at grocery stores near you. (http://bit.ly/o1yhyx)
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