Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
For years, women have known that ovarian cancer was not the silent killer it was said to be. Over the past decade, science has confirmed what women have long known: ovarian cancer has symptoms.
The symptoms are:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Other symptoms may be:
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Heartburn or upset stomach
- Pain during sex
- Constipation or menstrual changes
As medical research continues to investigate this important issue, numerous studies have been published indicating that symptoms may not occur until late stage or that they may not improve health outcomes. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance believes that symptoms are still relevant, but they are not a definitive diagnostic tool. Since there is no diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer, symptom awareness remains of key importance. Being cognizant of symptoms can help women get diagnosed sooner.
Below are links to studies about ovarian cancer symptoms.
- Identification of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms in Health Insurance Claims Data February 2010
- Identifying symptoms of ovarian cancer: a qualitative and quantitative study July 2008
- Predictive Value of Symptoms for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer January 2010
- Use of a Symptom Index, CA125, and HE4 to predict ovarian cancer (Gynecol Oncol) November 2009
- Identifying symptoms of ovarian cancer: a qualitative and quantitative study July 2008
- Cancer Killer May Be “Silent” No More, September 2007
- Temporal Patterns of Conditions and Symptoms Potentially Associated with Ovarian Cancer September 2007
- Development of an Ovarian Cancer Symptom Index: Possibilities for Earlier Detection June 2007
- Symptoms, Diagnoses, and Time to Key Diagnostic Procedures Among Older U.S. Women With Ovarian Cancer May 2007
"Ovarian Cancer National Alliance"
For more information on the symptoms of ovarian cancer please visit The National Cancer Institute or The American Cancer Society