Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the least common, but most deadly forms of cancer in women. While ovarian cancer accounts for only about 3% of all cancer diagnoses among women, it is estimated that nearly 15,000 women will die in 2016 from this dangerous disease.
Ovaries are the female reproductive glands that produce the body’s supply of eggs (ova) as well as important hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. When ovarian cells begin to multiply and grow out of control, tumors can form on or inside the ovary. Many ovarian tumors are benign and non-cancerous. However, when malignant ovarian tumors metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body, the resulting form of cancer is extremely aggressive and dangerous.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Bloating or swelling of the abdomen
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Trouble eating, or feeling full more quickly than normal
- Weight loss
- Constipation or changes in bowel habits
- Feeling the need to urinate frequently or urgently
Unfortunately, one of the most dangerous aspects of ovarian cancer is that these symptoms can easily be confused with much less serious medical conditions including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or constipation. Many women do not even realize that they may have ovarian cancer until it has spread to other parts of their pelvis or abdomen.
The American Cancer Society recommends that if a women experiences any of the above symptoms more than 12 times in a month, she should contact her gynecologist immediately.
Women over the age of 63 should also ask their doctor to screen them frequently for ovarian cancer. More than 50% of new ovarian cancer diagnoses impact women over the age of 63.
