Ovarian Cancer Produces Symptoms
Unfortunately, some medical textbooks still state that ovarian cancer has no symptoms. Dr. Barbara Goff's findings, presented at the 2000 Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Conference in San Diego, indicate that ovarian cancer does indeed have symptoms. These findings and other studies conducted since 2000 contradict the belief that there are no symptoms in early ovarian cancer. The symptoms include:
- Abdominal pressure, bloating or discomfort
- Nausea, indigestion or gas
- Urinary frequency, constipation or diarrhea
- Unusual fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Shortness of breath
- Rectal pain (sometimes during intercourse)
If these symptoms continue for more than two weeks and intensify, consult your primary care physician or obstetrician-gynecologist. If cancer is suspected or diagnosed, please ask to be referred to a board-certified gynecological-oncologist for further assessment. Recommended tests include a transvaginal ultrasound, a CA125 blood test, and a pelvic and rectal exam.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) founded the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) to promote awareness and advocacy. Their website provides sound information about all gynecological cancers and their symptoms. The gynecologic-oncologists within a 50 mile radius can be located by putting in a zip code and checking the delimiter, "up to a 50 mile area."
The five-year survival rate continues to improve and there are some long term survivors among those who present with advanced states of ovarian cancer.