National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Ovarian cancer it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women age 35-74. Because there is currently no consistently reliable screening test* available for early detection it is most important for women to be aware of the symptoms and report them to their doctor. If diagnosed and treated early while it is still confined to the ovaries, ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 93%. Unfortunately, due to the disease’s non-specific symptoms, only 24% of all cases are found at this early stage. *(The Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer.)

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include: pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; frequency and/or urgency of urination; unexplained changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; pelvic and/or abdominal swelling or bloating; pain during intercourse; and ongoing unusual fatigue.

For more information go to this link: http://www.ovarian.org/

Please pass on this life saving information and be sure to go to the link to read more about it and what other tests are available to help detect it.