Perhaps the most disparaging fact in the fight against ovarian cancer is that there is no reliable screening test or widely-used early detection test for the disease.
Ovarian cancer has symptoms
Knowing the symptoms, recognizing changes in your daily habits and advocating for the proper testing are the most powerful weapons in the fight against ovarian cancer
Too often women don’t realize that their symptoms might indicate ovarian cancer. They are subtle, often advancing slowly and seem like minor annoyances that don’t warrant a conversation with a medical provider.
Early warning signs mimic the symptoms of many common conditions such as gastrointestinal diseases, urinary tract infections, menopause or a variety of other gynecologic issues. If you believe your symptoms might be ovarian cancer, report them to your medical provider before the disease affects other organs and becomes acute.
Primary Symptoms
- Bloating or swollen abdomen or midsection
- Pain or pressure in the abdomen or pelvis
- Decreased appetite or feeling full quickly
- Urgency or frequency of urination
- Constipation or diarrhea; changes in bowel movements
Secondary Symptoms
- Migraines
- Blood Clots
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Menstrual irregularities or bleeding after menopause
If you or someone you love is experiencing more than one of these symptoms and they do not resolve within two weeks, please seek immediate medical attention and REQUEST TESTING.
FREE symptom cards save lives
Place one of these cards on your dressing room or bath mirror as a daily reminder of the early warning signs. The reverse side has the detection tests. Give them to all the women you love. Ask your favorite salon or boutique to put up a small display with them. And, take them to your doctor’s office!
