SEPTEMBER MARKS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
September is designated Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by the President of the United States, and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is helping to increase awareness of the disease through national awareness campaigns.
The mission of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is to raise awareness and increase education about ovarian cancer. Since there is no early detection test, recognizing the symptoms of the disease is imperative. More than 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die from the disease. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages when the prognosis is poor. However, if diagnosed and treated early, when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. That is why it is imperative that the early signs and symptoms of the disease are recognized, not only by women, but also by their families and the medical community.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially, in the early stages. This is partly due to the fact that these two small, almond shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus. These are some of the potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
Fatigue
Upset stomach or heartburn
Back pain
Pain during sex
Constipation
Menstrual changes
If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult your physician.
Persistence of Symptoms
When the symptoms are persistent, when they do not resolve with normal interventions (like diet change, exercise, laxatives, rest) it is imperative for a woman to see her doctor. Persistence of symptoms is key. Because these signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer have been described as vague or silent, only around 19% of ovarian cancer is found in the early stages. Symptoms typically occur in advanced stages when tumor growth creates pressure on the bladder and rectum, and fluid begins to form.
If you do not have a primary care physician, or a gynecologist, please contact the Student Wellness Center and let us help by making referrals to free or low-cost women's health providers in the community.
