Ovarian Cancer: No Longer a 'Silent' Killer

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest cancer of the female reproductive system. It doesn't have to be, though. When found early (stage 1), 93 percent of women with ovarian cancer survive more than five years. But the disease is usually found only after it has spread beyond the ovaries, making it harder to treat. In the early stages, symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked. This is why ovarian cancer has long been called a "silent killer."

Recently, the silence has been broken. The American Cancer Society and other specialists in female cancer have identified certain symptoms of ovarian cancer that can be found even in the early stages.

The most common of these symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Trouble eating or quickly feeling full
• Pain in the belly or pelvic area
• Urgent or frequent urination

These symptoms are common, even in women who do not have cancer, and usually do not signal ovarian cancer. Report these symptoms to your doctor if they:

• Are new to you or seem unusual
• Occur almost every day
• Last for more than a couple of weeks
• Are severe or worrisome

Testing for ovarian cancer: what to expect
If you have symptoms that could suggest ovarian cancer, tell your doctor. He or she will want to discuss your medical and family histories, especially if they include any type of cancer.

Next, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to examine the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries. An imaging test - such as an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic nuclear imaging (MRI) - may be done to see if there is a mass or anything else unusual.

Your doctor may order certain blood tests to check your general health. These may include kidney and liver function tests, as well as a blood count to make sure you are not anemic.

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, a special blood test called CA-125 may be done. This test measures a protein in the blood that is often higher in women who have ovarian cancer. It is also elevated in some other conditions. When it is high, other tests may be done to find the cause.

If, after testing, there is still a question of ovarian cancer, you may need to have a biopsy.

Breaking the silence
By the end of 2007, there will be an estimated 22,430 new cases - and over 15,000 deaths - from ovarian cancer. This makes ovarian cancer the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in women. If you report these symptoms to your doctor, chances are better that ovarian cancer will be diagnosed and treated at an early stage, when it is more treatable. The goal is to silence the "silent killer."

Related Articles What Are Some of the Risk Factors Associated With Ovarian Cancer? Is There an Effective Way to Screen Women for Ovarian Cancer? How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed and Treated? What Is the Outlook for Women Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer? What Is Ovarian Cancer? Life After Cancer: Your Survivorship Plan

External Sources American Cancer Society. How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? Accessed September 17, 2007. American Cancer Society. Ovarian cancer has early symptoms: first national conscensus on common warning signs. Accessed September 17, 2007. National Cancer Institute, Ovarian cancer. Accessed September 10, 2007. Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. Ovarian cancer symptoms consensus statement. Accessed September 10, 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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