Early cancer detection through mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies saves lives. But due to a lack of similar screening tests for ovarian cancer, it remains the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . While ovarian cancer accounts for only about three percent of cancer deaths among women, it is rarely caught until the late stages when treatment isn’t as effective.
Although there is no screening test, 95 percent of women who have had ovarian cancer report having one or more of four key signs and symptoms. For National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to learn the symptoms and share the life saving information with your mother, sisters, and friends.
4 Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
According to the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance, if you have these symptoms more than 12 times during the course of one month and the symptoms are new or unusual, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.
More information about risk factors, detection and diagnosis, and ideas to help spread awareness in your community can be found at colo-ovariancancer.org.
