Women: Do You Know the Four Symptoms that Occur More Often with Ovarian Cancer?
9/1/2020
By: Dr. Scott Hays, Board-certified, Obstetrics & Gynecology
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It provides an opportunity to talk about this dangerous cancer and the fact that symptom awareness may be lifesaving.
Ovarian Cancer is Not a Silent Killer
Studies have shown that ovarian cancer is not silent. Rather, the warning signs are subtle. Four symptoms have been proven to occur more often in females with ovarian cancer as compared to those in the general public. If any of these symptoms are new and unusual and occur at least 12 times in one month, the woman should see a doctor – preferably a gynecologist:
- Bloating
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary Issues including changes in frequency or urgency
Factors That May Decrease and Increase the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Factors which may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer include:
- Oral contraceptive use
- Removal of fallopian tubes and/or ovaries, and
- Breastfeeding
Factors which may increase the risk of ovarian cancer:
- Personal or family history of ovarian, breast, uterine or colorectal cancer. Approximately 20% of ovarian cancer is hereditary. Any female who has been diagnosed with a form of ovarian cancer should be referred to a genetic counselor.
- Increased number of menstrual cycles in a lifetime (never had children, late menopause, etc.)
- Infertility, regardless of whether fertility drugs were used
- Use of hormone replacement therapy
- Increasing age (Note: ovarian cancer affects all ages and all ethnic groups.)
- Obesity
Why Symptom Awareness is Key
Due to the lack of an early detection test, only 15-20% of ovarian cancer is detected early. In 2020 in the United States, data from the National Cancer Institute (NIH) estimates there will be 21,750 new cases of ovarian cancer and 13,940 estimated women will die from the disease.
Until There's a Test, Awareness is Best
Early detection of cancer is vital. Since there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, symptom awareness is key. Know your body and know the symptoms.
If you are concerned or would like to make an appointment to talk with Dr. Hays, call Tennova Women’s Health at (931) 461-1101.
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