We are very excited to announce the production of our own ovarian cancer educational brochure. You may now download our brochure by clicking on this underlined text AROVCC brochure-2010 for your educational use or please, pass this on to a friend.
Note: We are not physicians and every case is different. We would just like to encourage you to speak with your doctor if the following symptoms persist:
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- bloating
- pelvic or abdominal pain
- trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often)
These symptoms are also commonly caused by benign (non-cancerous) diseases and by cancers of other organs. When they are caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent and represent a change from normal — for example, they occur more often or are more severe. If a woman has these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, she should see her doctor, preferably a gynecologist. *
If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult your physician.
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.
- A Rectovaginal pelvic examination is when the doctor simultaneously inserts one finger in the rectum and one in the vagina.
- It is helpful to take a mild laxative or enema before the pelvic exam.
- Have a comprehensive family history taken by a physician knowledgeable in the risks associated with ovarian cancer. 5% to 10% of ovarian cancer has a familial link.
Every woman should undergo a regular rectal and vaginal pelvic examination. If an irregularity of the ovary is found, alternatives to evaluation include transvaginal sonography and/or tumor markers. The most common tumor marker is a blood test called the CA-125. **
* – American Cancer Society
**- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
4 comments
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September 4, 2010 at 9:32 am
amy hanna
my mom died of ovarian cancer.the dr kept telling her she had gastronytis.when they found out what it was she couldnt walk any more.she died 4 days later. Now i worry about that. But since i have no insurance i cant get a checkup.and that is real scary. My last exam was 6 years ago after the birth of my son. I think more women need to be aware of this disease. it is so devastating. my mom went from 165 to 80 pounds in 6 months. it is sad that maybe if she would have gotten diagnosed earlier I would still have her around.
July 5, 2011 at 10:44 am
callie
Amy… I am truly sorry to hear what had happen to your mom.. i could not imagine..be strong and find ways to get that test done.. take care of yourself ther are ways..som hospitals have programs that offer to pay for your bill up to 100% depends on how much money you make, even if you hav’t to have surgery.. hang in ther.. i’m praying for you..i’m also goin to have this test done i’v had a lot of problems i have fibroids and gallstones but still hav some other issues that no one can seem to figure out.. so i will be having surgery probably in august..take care of yourself.. and i’ll do the same..god bless!
from somone who cares!
July 28, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Leanna Richmond / The Passionate Plum
My Mother was having the full feeling upper stomach feeling and abdominal pains and each Dr. visit at several different Drs. tried to get a diagnosis at years later she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. At this point it had spread throughout her whole body, and even her bones of her neck, and was diagnosed at stage four, she passed 5 months later. She had such a painful battle for those 5 months and couldn’t get enough pain relief. I lost my Best Friend and Mother 2 1/2 yrs ago, and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t miss her so. One year after her passing I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, I elected for a total hysterectomy, they took out everything (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix). I have had the CA125 test a couple of times and it came out okay. I have had the same issues of fullness and bloating and now have bladder pains and will always wonder if I could still get cancer in surrounding tissues or other organs. It’s a weird feeling to feel like you know you have it but it’s just a matter of time before I’m diagnosed. I stopped going to a gynecologist and am on hormone therapy through my MD. I wonder if others who have lost a family member to cancer feel like I do, with the strong feelings of knowing that you have it too, but not found. ? Is this normal?
September 12, 2011 at 11:49 am
Adrienne
My aunt passed away from ovarian cancer last year. She initially had breast cancer (20+ years ago) and then it came back via that way. It was so hard to lose her because she was one of my most favorite aunts. I was more proactive with my own care after that, and it began to make me worry some. I went to my gynecologist and he said that Ovarian cancer was not hereditary but I did not really believe him and switched to another doctor. I miss my aunt and I wish she was here today. My love and prayers to all those who are going through the fight and thosewho are suvivors, or family of those who are no longer with us.
January 11, 2012 at 8:00 am
Annie
I had an ovarian cyst a couple years ago and ended up in the emergency room due to the pain. I had pains in the same area you are describing and yes it felt like PMS cramps X 5. I had a lower abdominal Cat Scan performed on me and thats what they determined it was. They go away on their own. It took about a week before I felt no pain. They gave me pain killers to take for the pain until it went away. I would definately get checked out, if it is bad enough it can cause damage if not treated.