Long thought a silent killer, ovarian cancer is receiving ongoing attention after studies continue to confirm that sufferers of the disease do experience early warning symptoms. These symptoms could lead doctors to an earlier diagnosis and a more probable cure, but too many women and doctors misunderstand the symptoms.
Early Symptoms May Not Lead to Proper Care
The American Cancer Society reported on August 22, 2005, in an article printed on their website entitled “Ovarian Cancer Symptoms May Begin Months Before Diagnosis”, that symptoms of the disease, which included digestive problems, were vague and didn’t necessarily lead to cancer screening. This article, based on a study done at UC Davis in which lead study author Lloyd H. Smith, MD, PhD said that most people experiencing the symptoms were not going to have ovarian cancer, highlights how difficult it is to differentiate between early ovarian cancer symptoms and symptoms of common digestive problems.
The study investigated the records of 1,985 women who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The research focused on how many women had seen their doctor for certain symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, in the time prior to being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and what types of tests were ordered. They found that only a quarter of the women received pelvic imaging and the CA 125 blood tests used to diagnose the cancer. Most doctors were looking for other causes.
Leading Medical Authorities Stress the Importance of Catching Early Symptoms
In response to studies like these, there has been an ongoing attempt to alert women and doctors to the early warning sings of ovarian cancer. In a June 14, 2007 article on their website entitled “Ovarian Cancer Has Early Symptoms” the American Cancer Society announced that it had joined with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists to help promote the awareness of early ovarian cancer symptoms. In a statement released June 12, 2007 they stated that research has proven the link between certain persistent symptoms and ovarian cancer.
They also stressed that ovarian cancer is a deadly disease. While approximately 93% of women diagnosed in the early stages will survive 5 years or more and most will be cured, the sad fact is that less than 20 % received this early detection. To improve the odds that women will be diagnosed earlier, it is important that they recognize the following symptoms:
- Abdominal Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms, such as urgent or frequent feelings of needing to go
While these symptoms are common and most often lead to other diagnoses, the key is the persistence of the symptoms. Women experiencing persistent abdominal bloating that doesn’t respond to dietary changes, especially when combined with other symptoms, should seek medical screening. Make sure your doctor is aware of current ovarian cancer symptoms and is willing to run the proper tests.
