Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Learn to recognize the symptoms and understand the treatment options for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is too often found after it's already reached an advanced stage. “Unfortunately, while screening tests exist for a number of cancers out there—a mammogram for breast cancer, a pap smear for cervical cancer—a reliable screening test doesn’t yet exist for ovarian cancer,” says John Elkas, MD, a gynecological oncologist at Reston Hospital Center in Fairfax, Virginia.
That’s why it’s so important to get the facts about ovarian cancer and seek help if you’re having symptoms. Here’s what every woman should know.
What’s ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries, or the almond-sized glands attached to either side of your uterus. Your ovaries carry your eggs and make the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Most of the time, women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their 50s or 60s. Younger women may develop ovarian cancer, too. However, it’s rare before age 40 and it’s typically diagnosed after menopause.
Women who have never been pregnant have a higher risk of ovarian cancer, as well. That may be because you don’t ovulate when you’re pregnant, says Dr. Elkas.
“When you ovulate, a cyst forms in one of your ovaries, and then the cyst ruptures to release the egg. That constant inflammation and repair has been potentially linked to cancer,” he explains. “That’s why decreasing the number of times you ovulate in your lifetime through pregnancy or birth control pills may decrease your risk.”
Why are the symptoms so easy to miss?
There’s no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, so it’s up to you to tell your doctor if you’re having any of these symptoms:
- Bleeding from your vagina that happens after menopause or that’s off-schedule for your period
- Bloating, even though you might be losing weight or eating less
- A poor appetite
- Feeling full quickly
- Pain in your lower abdomen
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Having to urinate often or urgently
Ovarian cancer tends to get brushed off because its symptoms can seem like they’re caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or diet changes. But don’t ignore your body—keep track of your symptoms and tell your doctor if they happen more than 12 times a month or if they last longer than two weeks. If you’re having bleeding from your vagina that’s not normal for you, call your doctor immediately.
Ovarian cancer diagnosis
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, your obstetrician gynecologist (OBGYN) may do a pelvic exam. To do a pelvic exam, they’ll insert gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina, while gently pressing on your belly so they can feel your ovaries.
