Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

In June 2007, NOCC, along with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and other national organizations announced the first national consensus on ovarian cancer symptoms. The symptoms include:

  • 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

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their gynecologist and ask for a rectovaginal exam and transvaginal ultrasound.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

Since early diagnosis is so important, it is crucial for women to recognize the risk factors for this disease, including:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
  • Increasing age
  • Undesired infertility

If a woman’s risk factors fit any of these criteria, she should consult her doctor.

Ovarian Cancer Stages

The most common form of ovarian cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, develops from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary, and is identified in four separate stages.

  1. Stage I – Growth of the cancer is limited to one or both ovaries.
  2. Stage II – Growth of the cancer involves one or both ovaries and has spread to other areas within the pelvis.
  3. Stage III – Growth of the cancer involves one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the abdomen or lymph nodes (small glands in the body).
  4. Stage IV – This is the most advanced stage of ovarian cancer in which the cancer growth involves one or both ovaries and the cancer has spread to other organs in the body such as the liver and lungs.

Unfortunately, 75% of women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is at an advanced stage (Stage III or IV). If caught in stage I, the five year survival rate is over 90%. If caught in stage III or IV, the survival rate can be as low as 29%.

*Photo Courtesy of Russell Baer Photography Inc.