Signs and Symptoms

Ovarian Cancer is considered the most deadly gynecological cancer, striking 22,500 women and killing 15,280 every year in the United States. Presently, there is no early detection test for Ovarian Cancer. As a result, 75% of the women diagnosed have late stage disease and only 12% chance of surviving 5 years.

There is hope. If caught in the early stages there is a 90% survival rate. Here is what to you can do to catch ovarian cancer early:

Six Tips for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

1. Schedule an early breast and pelvic examination even when you are felling quite well.
2. Promptly report persistent pelvic pain and/or pressure to your physician.
3. Don’t dismiss persistent abdominal discomfort and/or bloating as just poor digestion.
4. Research and report a family history of cancer by type and relative to your physician.
5. A family history of multiple family members being afflicted with breast, ovary and/or uterine cancer may require closer surveillance than the average woman.
6. Talk to your physician about unexplained weight loss.

If you have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer you may be eligible for an ovarian cancer screening study at UCI conducted by Wendy Brewster. Please call 949.824.9862 for additional information.

Take Action

According to University of California Medical – Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, here us an action plan if you think you might have ovarian cancer:

1. Make sure that a pelvic ultrasound and CA125 blood test is among the tests taken to make a diagnosis.
2. See a Gynecologic Oncologist
3. Ask tons of questions. Ask to speak to the leading specialists. Ask to speak to survivors to see what course of treatment they took.