Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in women and the second most commonly diagnosed gynecologic (diseases of the female reproductive system - uterus, vagina, and ovaries) malignancy. It is idiopathic, meaning that the exact cause is usually unknown. In United States, females have a 1.4% to 2.5% (1 our of 40-60 women) lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer. The sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better a woman’s chance of survival. If ovarian cancer is suspected, several tests are utilized to confirm the diagnosis. Due to a lack of noticeable early symptoms, ovarian cancer is often called a "silent killer." Only after the disease has spread out of the ovary do specific ovarian cancer symptoms develop. In the early stages of the disease, vague symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and indigestion may be dismissed or misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions, such as the "flu."
Ovarian cancer is hereditary. Because each woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer has a different profile, it is impossible to give a general prognosis. If diagnosed and treated early, however, when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.
See your gynecologist if any of these symptoms persist for two to three weeks:
- 
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of infection
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
- Pelvic or abdominal swelling, bloating
- Unexpected changes in bowel habits
- Unexpected weight gain or weight loss
- Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea and indigestion
A pap smear DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer. All women are at risk. Early detection increases survival rate of early stage disease.
